An End to the Asthma Epidemic

An End to the Asthma Epidemic

Monday 30 April

Asthma is one of the most common conditions presenting to healthcare practitioners today. The Asthma & Respiratory Foundation of New Zealand (ARFNZ) claims one in six adults and one in four New Zealand children has asthma and asthma is the most common cause of child hospital admissions. Asthma medications account for around $NZ60 - 80 million of pharmaceutical budget per year.

Research by the ARFNZ released in April 2006 ‘Trying to Catch our Breath’ highlighted the appalling prevalence of respiratory diseases in New Zealand children.

Recent studies have shown that beta agonist reliever medications, used to overcome the symptoms of asthma, may in fact produce tolerance to the medication within several weeks of use and actually enhance disease progression. A meta analysis published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, June 2006 found that both short and long-acting beta agonists have been shown to increase severe and life-threatening asthma exacerbations, as well as asthma-related deaths. [Shelley et al. Effect of Long-Acting ß-Agonists on Severe Asthma Exacerbations and Asthma-Related Deaths Ann Intern Med, Jun 2006; 144: 904 – 912]

Many people with respiratory conditions-including asthma have found that
breath management techniques such as Buteyko can dramatically reduce the
need for inhaler medicines (both preventers and relievers).

All studies of the Buteyko Method to date have shown positive results. Published Australian and New Zealand trials reported reductions in reliever medication of 85-95 per cent and reductions in preventer medication of 49 to 50 per cent. A small paediatric study in Gisborne showed a 66 per cent reduction in reliever medication and a 41 per cent reduction in preventer medication use.

While the mechanism by which Buteyko is effective may not be accepted or even understood, if offers levels of success that if produced by a drug would be adopted widely.

Clearly more research is needed. Given the positive results from trials and the growing number of anecdotal reports of success, it may be time for the Asthma and Respiratory Foundation of New Zealand to fund a research trial on behalf of asthma sufferers nationwide.

ENDS