The Great Asthma Debate
Five
Key
Questions:
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1. What is asthma?
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2. Is current
drug treatment
really working?
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3. Is there
a safer alternative?
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4. How can
asthma hospital
emergencies
be reduced?
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5. How can you
“escape” asthma?
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Asthma Sufferers are Different
Asthmatics are physically different in many ways:
Asthmatics have larger and more numerous cells which
make mucus
Asthmatics have five times more mast cells than other
people hence more allergic reactions
Asthmatics have stronger and thicker smooth muscles
wrapped around the airways
Asthmatics breathe two to three times more than usual
when resting
No two asthmatics have the same triggers, symptoms and
reactions.
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Asthma Means Dis-Ease
Breathlessness
Allergic reactions
Lethargy Sinusitis Limited physical activity
High blood pressure Disturbed sleep
Coughing
Restricted living
Snoring
Days off sick from work
Irritability
Ruined sporting activity Depression
Headaches Anxiety or panic attacks
Blocked nose
Dizziness
Aching muscles
Dry mouth Hay fever
Just a few of the daily miseries of any asthmatic,
which of these are yours?
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What is asthma really?
1. No agreement amongst doctors
An article in The Lancet in 2006 questioned whether it was now time to
get rid of this name just because of this.
2. Symptomatic treatment
Because the underlying cause has been overlooked all efforts have been
directed at managing the “asthma symptoms” The drug companies
have enthusiastically given us an ever increasing range of
medications, all of which carry their own side-effects that add further
to the patient’s misery & risks of serious illness or death. A number
of recent drugs carry black-box warnings signifying the highest risk
levels.
3.Chronic hidden hyperventilation
Professor Buteyko proposed this was the main cause of asthma.
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Asthma is a condition that affects,
those genetically predisposed,
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*
*
*
*
*
*
restrictions of airways
inflammation of airways
coughing
wheezing
sleep problems
increased mucus production
poor peak flow measures,
maybe due primarily to
chronic hidden hyperventilation.
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Do you hyperventilate?
Check Your Breathing Now
Check Your Control Pause: The Maximum Comfortable
Breath Hold After Exhaling
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Measuring your Control Pause
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Sit quietly to allow your breathing to settle.
Take a gentle breath in, then after a gentle out-breath
Start a stopwatch or timer and hold your nose gently.
Continue holding your breath until you feel the urge to breathe
Release your nose, breathe in gently through your nose and
Stop the stop watch or timer.
The Control Pause is the number of seconds of this comfortable
breath hold.
• There should be no stress to this test, your breathing should return to
normal immediately after you release your nose.
• There is no larger in-breath after the breath hold.
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What Does Your Control Pause Mean?
CP
Breathing State
45-60
Excellent, normal
35-45
Mild hyperventilation
25-35
Significant Hyperventilation
15-25
Serious hyperventilation
5-15
Very serious hyperventilation
0-5
Critical life threatening
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Back to Basics
Why do we breathe?
The Oxygen
& Carbon Dioxide Story
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Every Living Thing Needs
Carbon Dioxide to Survive
What keeps us breathing normally?
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Living on an Alien Planet
250
Million
To-day
Years
Ago
Less
Than
6% Air
0.03% Air
was
Carbon
Dioxide
Carbon
Dioxide
Our lungs have become “Carbon Dioxide Tanks” that
have allowed us to survive on what now has become
almost an alien planet.
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Our Automatic Control System
We produce more carbon dioxide
than we need.
Our breathing rate is normally perfectly adjusted
to remove just the right amount and leave us with
6% in our lungs
This automatic system can go wrong
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Asthmatics Breathe
Two to Three Times
More Than Normal
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What’s gone wrong then?
A Story of Our Ancestors,
Man the Prey
The Fight Flight Reaction
for early man’s survival.
Not So Useful for Modern Man
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The Fight or Flight Response
Man was not the hunter but the prey and has only survived
because of the Flight Fight reaction .
At the first sense of danger the entire body is mobilized for
maximum action this includes increased breathing ready
for action.
It used to make good sense but now modern man rarely
reacts physically to such stimuli but the body has prepared
him for action despite that.
Repeated unresolved stress reactions cause our CO2
receptors in our brain to accept a lowered CO2 level as
“normal”.
We are then locked into chronic hidden hyperventilation.
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Hyperventilation lowers carbon
dioxide levels in the body.
What happens to us when carbon
dioxide levels fall?
Three major effects
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First: Blood holds onto its oxygen more tightly
& less oxygen gets to our tissues
MRI Brain
Same
Scan
Person’s
of a
Brain
Scan
Healthy
After one
minute
Person
Breathing
Breathing
Normally
Heavily
Red/yellow areas high oxygen / blue/green low oxygen
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Secondly: Smooth muscle spasms
All tubes in the body and
hollow organs are
surrounded by smooth
muscle that twitch and
spasms when carbon
dioxide levels fall,
causing amongst other
things narrowing of
airways and narrowing
of blood vessels.
It becomes more difficult
to breathe normally.
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Thirdly: All The Body’s Chemistry is Slowed Down
as the normal acid/alkaline balance is disturbed
Hormone Production
Insulin
Calcium metabolism
Thyroid function
Cell energy metabolism
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The Problem & Possible Solutions
Avoid all triggers!
A Difficult Solution!
TRIGGERS
Suppress or
palliate the
symptoms!
The Medical
Drug Solution!
SYMPTOMS
HYPERVENTILATION
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MODERN ASTHMA TREATMENT POSITIVE & NEGATIVE EFFECTS
TRIGGER/STRESSOR
HYPERVENTILATION
INCREASED MUCUS
REDUCED CARBON
DIOXIDE LEVELS
INFLAMED AIRWAYS
SPASM OF SMOOTH
REDUCED TISSUE
MUSCLE
OXYGENATION
PRODUCING ALL THE ASTHMA SYMPTOMS
RELIEVER MEDICATION USED
AIRWAYS OPENED
ACUTE SYMPTOMS
REDUCED
BREATHING INCREASED DUE
TO ADRENALIN IN RELIEVER
STEROID PREVENTER USED
INFLAMMATION
BREATHING
REDUCED
REDUCED
SYMPTOMS REDUCED
IMMUNE SYSYTEM
SUPPRESSED
MORE COLDS,
CHEST
INFECTIONS, ETC
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MODERN ASTHMA TREATMENT POSITIVE & NEGATIVE EFFECTS
TRIGGER/STRESSOR
HYPERVENTILATION
INCREASED MUCOUS
REDUCED CARBON
DIOXIDE LEVELS
INFLAMED AIRWAYS
SPASM OF SMOOTH
REDUCED TISSUE
MUSCLE
OXYGENATION
PRODUCING ALL THE ASTHMA SYMPTOMS
RELIEVER MEDICATION USED
AIRWAYS OPENED
ACUTE SYMPTOMS
REDUCED
BREATHING INCREASED DUE
TO ADRENALIN IN RELIEVER
STEROID PREVENTER USED
INFLAMMATION
BREATHING
REDUCED
REDUCED
SYMPTOMS REDUCED
IMMUNE SYSYTEM
SUPPRESSED
MORE COLDS,
CHEST
INFECTIONS, ETC
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MODERN ASTHMA TREATMENT POSITIVE & NEGATIVE EFFECTS
TRIGGER/STRESSOR
HYPERVENTILATION
INCREASED MUCUS
REDUCED CARBON
DIOXIDE LEVELS
INFLAMED AIRWAYS
SPASM OF SMOOTH
REDUCED TISSUE
MUSCLE
OXYGENATION
PRODUCING ALL THE ASTHMA SYMPTOMS
RELIEVER MEDICATION USED
AIRWAYS OPENED
ACUTE SYMPTOMS
REDUCED
BREATHING INCREASED DUE
TO ADRENALIN IN RELIEVER
STEROID PREVENTER USED
INFLAMMATION
BREATHING
REDUCED
REDUCED
SYMPTOMS REDUCED
IMMUNE SYSYTEM
SUPPRESSED
MORE COLDS,
CHEST
INFECTIONS, ETC
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MODERN ASTHMA TREATMENT POSITIVE & NEGATIVE EFFECTS
TRIGGER/STRESSOR
HYPERVENTILATION
INCREASED MUCUS
REDUCED CARBON
DIOXIDE LEVELS
INFLAMED AIRWAYS
SPASM OF SMOOTH
REDUCED TISSUE
MUSCLE
OXYGENATION
PRODUCING ALL THE ASTHMA SYMPTOMS
RELIEVER MEDICATION USED
AIRWAYS OPENED
ACUTE SYMPTOMS
REDUCED
BREATHING INCREASED DUE
TO ADRENALIN IN RELIEVER
STEROID PREVENTER USED
INFLAMMATION
BREATHING
IMMUNE SYSYTEM
REDUCED
REDUCED
SUPPRESSED
SYMPTOMS REDUCED
MORE COLDS,
CHEST
INFECTIONS, ETC
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Would You Like to Take Better Control
of Your Asthma
with fewer Drugs?
Up to 90% less reliever medication
and 50% less preventer medication
less wheezing, less coughing,
more energy, better sleep.
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Your First Steps Start Today!
• Be more aware of your
breathing
• Keep your nose clear
• Only breathe through your
nose
• Pace yourself so you can!
• Take time out to relax &
breathe quieter
• Check your progress daily with
the Control Pause
• Learn The Buteyko Method
enrol on a Buteyko Course
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AsthmaCareKent Breathing Programme
Are you ready for the Buteyko Breathing Programme?
1. Do you know why you have asthma? It's not what you think.
2. Can you recognize the warning signs of an impending attack and do
you know how to prevent it?
You will learn both these vital things.
3. Did you know you can reverse and even eliminate your asthma by
correcting your breathing?
This is what the Buteyko Method teaches.
4. Do you know how and when to reduce or even eliminate medications
and their usual side effects? This is part of the training.
5. Do you know how to unblock your nose naturally...at any time, so
you can breathe through it?
We teach you how & why nose breathing is so important.
6. Do you know how to exercise safely without fear of an attack?
We will teach you this.
7. Do you know how to stop a coughing attack?
Just another part of your training.
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Booking Your Place
The Fees:
Adults: £340, less 10% (£306) when paid at start of the course.
Children: £240, less 10% (£216) when paid at start of the course.
Additional family or friends are charged only £100 each.
All major cards accepted. (Or a zero-interest post-dated cheque payment
plan is available.)
Special reductions may apply to referrals from your GP or asthma
specialist.
The Buteyko Breathing Program includes:
An initial eight hours of instruction by Michael Lingard BSc DO BIBH.
He was trained as a BIBH practitioner by Jenny Stark, one of the first
Buteyko trainers instructed by Professor Konstantin Buteyko in Australia.
You also receive follow up support for a year, via email, Skype or phone.
An additional refresher programme may be taken for free (this must be
taken within one year of the first course)
All course materials, text book, workbook, Dr’s Guide, etc.
Parents may accompany their children for free
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What will you learn?
What is the Buteyko Breathing Method?
Why do you have asthma?
How to recognize hyperventilation
How to correct breathing patterns
How to unblock your nose naturally
How to switch from mouth breathing to nasal breathing (and why it is imperative that you do)
Exercises to reverse over-breathing
Exercises to stop an asthma attack
Exercises to stop a coughing attack
Instruction on diet, lifestyle, stress, exercise/sport and medication, sleeping
Specific exercises for children
You also receive:
Private instruction in small group sessions
Support from fellow asthmatics
Resource information
Comprehensive Training Manual
Free follow up for one year by email and phone
Permission to attend another workshop (within a year of your first course)
The Buteyko Method is suitable for all ages from 5 to 95 regardless of severity.
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Testimonials
“I would thoroughly recommend the Buteyko technique to anyone wishing to be in better
control of their asthma. Reduced use of Ventolin, prior to the course my condition was
getting worse, now overcoming attacks, sleeping better, energy increased, less tension,
greatly improved.”
Carol R. St Leonards, East Sussex
“Wished I’d come across the technique forty years ago.” Minimal reaction now to dogs that
would previously trigger chest tightness immediately. Unaffected now any change in air
temperature, this used to be a trigger. Great result!”
David R. Dover, Kent
“My energy has increased and my health has greatly improved. Everyone should have the
opportunity to do this course to optimize their health & wellbeing”
Pamela F. Chislehurst, Kent
“Much calmer, less likely to panic, have stopped getting sleep apnea. No reliever for three
months now, down to one puff preventer per day (from two to four), sleeping better,
overcoming most asthma attacks, energy levels up.”
Vivien B. Wadhurst, Kent
“Stopped all reliever medication, condition greatly improved, less mucus production, clearer
nasal passages, little or no coughing., sleeping better, energy levels increased” Dudley C.
Headcorn, Kent
“Very pleased with my progress, no reliever needed, no chest tightness, no rattles, no snoring
and breathing better.”Judy A. Ashford, Kent
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more testimonials
“No reliever used since start of course, happy to be able to breathe through the nose
after so many years mouth breathing and my energy has increased.”
Nigel C. Hawkhurst, Kent
“Really helped to reduce my medication, feeling much better. Normally two to three
attacks per week, since the course I have been able to overcome all attacks with
Buteyko.”
William G. Iden Green, Kent
“My asthma was getting worse before the Buteyko course. I’ve been able to
overcome most attacks, my energy has increased, my appetite lessened, I have
less tension. My condition has greatly improved. I was slightly skeptical about the
course but now I am a firm believer, it works!”
Lisa B. Sandhurst, Kent
“I began to notice the benefits within a matter of days. As an asthmatic, after seven
days Buteyko has already changed my breathing, asthma, sleep and has reduced
my appetite, it really does work!”
Daniel R. Bodiam, Kent
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The Clinical Proof
The Mater Hospital Trial Brisbane 1998
“Those practising the Buteyko Breathing Technique reduced hyperventilation
and their use of beta2-agonists. A trend toward reduced inhaled steroid use
and better quality of life......”
The Gisborne Trial New Zealand 2003
“The magnitude of effect in both studies was remarkably similar to the Mater
trial, 85% reduction in reliever medication & 37% reduction in steroids.”
The Calgary Trial Canada 2007
“I’ve been astonished and also very pleased with the excellent result. There is
no disruption of their life at all by their disease: normal activities; not waking
at night; not needing to use any reliever medications. It’s just great...75%
control is about as good as anyone has got in any study of asthma. The neat
thing about it is that it has no side effects. It’s very safe. The Buteyko
technique certainly has been shown to be an important adjunct to
treatment.”....Dr. Robert Cowie Respirologist.
Russian Trials over 20 years. See our website for more details.
Endorsed by The British Thoracic Society
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Act Now! Freephone: 0800 781 2534
e-mail: info@asthmacarekent.co.uk
Buteyko Courses are
scheduled to start :
Tuesday March 29th
2011
Tuesday April 26th
2011
Thursday May 19th
2011
Thursday June 9th
2011
• Make this year the year you
take better control of your
asthma for life.
• Phone or e-mail us to
discuss training options.
• If you are able to get to
Kent, book a free initial
consultation to assess your
condition with capnography.
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