Asthma medication guide lines given by Buteyko practitioners are in line with current medical advice. The fundamental difference between Buteyko management of asthma and current conventional medical management is that the Buteyko Method is based on the theory that hyperventilation causes asthma, rather than asthma causing hyperventilation. Hyperventilation, as defined by Buteyko, is breathing at rates higher than the normal 12 breathes or 4 to 6 litres per of air per minute. Increasing the air intake may be caused by breathing more frequently, but may also be caused by breathing through the mouth, rather than through the nose. Breathing through the mouth dramatically increases the amount of air inhaled, so even at twelve breaths per minute, intake is higher than normal.
Hyperventilation increases the number of inhaled allergens, and cools and dehydrates the airways.
Irritation of the sensitive airways is greatly increased, and carbon dioxide levels fall. Mucus and histamine production increases. These factors combine to constrict airways, causing asthma attacks. Buteyko breathing techniques allow asthmatics to control and normalise their breathing to stop hyperventilating. Buteyko involves no herbs, vitamins, special diets, the power of positive thinking, physiotherapy, meditation, religion or new drugs.