Question:

I have asthma, and have used oxygen.  I have only seen oxygen therapy mentioned in one book about asthma. I would be interested to hear from others about their experiences with asthma and  oxygen therapy.. Thank you for your input.

Response:

I have asthma, and have used oxygen.  I have only seen oxygen therapy mentioned in one book about asthma. I would be interested to hear from others about their experiences with asthma and  oxygen therapy..

Can you describe this therapy?  Supplemental oxygen is only necessary in a life-threatening asthma attack.  If you are in bad enough shape that you need supplemental oxygen – call 911. From my expierence in the military, breathing avation or medical grade oxygen gives a rush that promotes a false sense of well-being.  It is a great way to relieve a hangover for a while, but it does nothing to treat the actual problem. ‘Reply to’ address changed to foil email spammers.

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Question:

As a pharmacist, the Intal is effective in the prevention of exercised – induced asthma and should be used in such cases.  It should not be use on an as needed basis because it will not work to relieve the asthma attack. If you are about to have an asthma attack I would  recommend the use of the Proventil inhaler which can be use on an as needed basis.    If the asthma atttack is due to other factors such as dust, pollen, or any gasseous odors in your home or work I have heard of a new product that helps to prevent asthma attacks with out the use of medication.   I believe it is an air purifier that doesn’t utilize any filters.  I know that it is not for sale in the department stores.  Has anybody heard of this product? Thanks in advance.

Response:

Hi, I was wondering if anyone could offer me some advice.  I have recently been diagnosed as having asthma associated with exercising.  My doctor told me that if I get short of breath while walking or hurrying, I should use my inhaler.  I have a catch-22 problem : I exercise, I get short of breath and need the inhaler.  I don’t exercise, I get out of shape.  Does anyone have any advice on how I could still exercise while minimally using my inhaler? Thanks.                                            Frances.

If the inhaler alleviates the problem, so that you can exercise free of asthma, why do you want a new system?  If you need the inhaler to exercise, then _use_ it for that purpose.  You are not giving in to anything, or mistreating yourself by using it.  Rather the contrary, I think.  The purpose of medication for asthma is so that we can live as "normal" a life as possible, and learn to coexist with our asthma as part of that life, not so that we can "defeat" it, or in turn "be defeated by" it.         justjane

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Hi, I was wondering if anyone could offer me some advice.  I have recently been diagnosed as having asthma associated with exercising.  My doctor told me that if I get short of breath while walking or hurrying, I should use my inhaler.  I have a catch-22 problem : I exercise, I get short of breath and need the inhaler.  I don’t exercise, I get out of shape.  Does anyone have any advice on how I could still exercise while minimally using my inhaler? Thanks.

Frances, your physician SHOULD have told you to pre-treat for exercise BEFORE you start your workout or your walk. Basically, before you climb on the treadmill or the stairstepper, or you go grab the dog’s leash, you take 1 or 2 puffs from your inhaler.  Discuss the exact amount with your physician.  This will act to prevent the exercise-induced bronchospasm. Both cromolyn sodium and albuterol/salbutamol have been shown to be effective this way.

Response:

Hi, I was wondering if anyone could offer me some advice.  I have recently been diagnosed as having asthma associated with exercising.  My doctor told me that if I get short of breath while walking or hurrying, I should use my inhaler.  I have a catch-22 problem : I exercise, I get short of breath and need the inhaler.  I don’t exercise, I get out of shape.  Does anyone have any advice on how I could still exercise while minimally using my inhaler? Thanks.

Talk to your doctor about using a nonsteroidal inhaler (such as Intal) prior to excercise.

Response:

Hi, I was wondering if anyone could offer me some advice.  I have recently been diagnosed as having asthma associated with exercising.  My doctor told me that if I get short of breath while walking or hurrying, I should use my inhaler.  I have a catch-22 problem : I exercise, I get short of breath and need the inhaler.  I don’t exercise, I get out of shape.  Does anyone have any advice on how I could still exercise while minimally using my inhaler? Thanks.                                            Frances.

I feel for you, In my 47 years, I have found nothing. Son of a pharmacist. Read post Re: Medicine costs. Do this immediately after reading this.

Response:

Hi, I was wondering if anyone could offer me some advice.  I have recently been diagnosed as having asthma associated with exercising.  My doctor told me that if I get short of breath while walking or hurrying, I should use my inhaler.  I have a catch-22 problem : I exercise, I get short of breath and need the inhaler.  I don’t exercise, I get out of shape.  Does anyone have any advice on how I could still exercise while minimally using my inhaler? Thanks.                                                 Frances.

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Hi, I was wondering if anyone could offer me some advice.  I have recently been diagnosed as having asthma associated with exercising.  My doctor told me that if I get short of breath while walking or hurrying, I should use my inhaler.  I have a catch-22 problem : I exercise, I get short of breath and need the inhaler.  I don’t exercise, I get out of shape.  Does anyone have any advice on how I could still exercise while minimally using

I presume you are on a bronchodilator inhaler. If you don’t need your inhaler on a regular basis (i.e. once a day or more) you can probaboly get away with predosing 15 minutes before beginning exercise, and warming up slowly before going to the max. I found this works for low intensity activities like bicycling and running, but can’t quite cover the oxygen demands of skating (When you run or bike, your legs give out first. When you skate, your lungs are the first to talk back to you). You could also ask your doctor if you can try Intal. It is recommended by USOC as a first-line choice for athletes. i find that I have to take it 30 minutes before exercise, and I have not yet had a chance to test how long it lasts. NOTE I have found that neither Intal nor Proventil/Ventolin/Albuterol can prevent cold air shock. Annette Sk8er Brat

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Question:

fan sometimes. At the begining the inhalers like ventoline use to help her but eventually those medication became less and less effective . So under the prescription of the doctors (who forgot to mention the side effects) she started heavy dosage of steroids like cortizones . I believe she used steroids for almost 2 yrs before she realized the side effects. She ended up with cataracts on both her eyes . Since then she stopped using the steroids and she had to have operation on both her eyes to take care of the cataract problem. Now she lives in Bangladesh  and here as well she suffered some serious attack while I lived with for 2 yrs.

There are steroid inhalers that don’t have the serious side effects that your mom experienced with oral steroids.  I don’t know how available they are in Bangladesh, though.  If these are the "mild steroids" that your mom is now using, I don’t think you need to worry quite so much for her. Laura

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hi,   I  stumbled into this newsgroup and I thought this it would be very helpfull to my mom . I don’t suffer from asthma  but my mom does . She has been suffering since she was a little girl . I lived in Kuwait with my family for 10 yrs where my mom’s asthma attack became worse. She had to be rushed  to the emergency hospital every month towards the end our stay in Kuwait. I guess she was very allergic to the dust and the pollen . She also couldn’t stand the cold weather so she had to avoid the AC and the fan sometimes. At the begining the inhalers like ventoline use to help her but eventually those medication became less and less effective . So under the prescription of the doctors (who forgot to mention the side effects) she started heavy dosage of steroids like cortizones . I believe she used steroids for almost 2 yrs before she realized the side effects. She ended up with cataracts on both her eyes . Since then she stopped using the steroids and she had to have operation on both her eyes to take care of the cataract problem. Now she lives in Bangladesh  and here as well she suffered some serious attack while I lived with for 2 yrs. She has tried all kinds of medication to get some relieve . Usually the medication works then she becomes immune to it. Recently she has again started on some mild kind of steroid and I am very concerned for her . I would appreciate if any one can give name of some medication that they are using and has the least side effects. Thank You, Deena M. Hossain. — Computer Science, Senior The University of Texas at Austin

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Question:

Just a few more suggestions to this well written post: Warflower, Have you gone and purchased books on asthma and read up on this disease that you seem to have?  This is a simple and basic first step.  Read up on your illness.

Judging from what you are going through – money is probably tight.  Try the library first.  Also, there are some very good web pages devoted to asthma.  Do a search on Yahoo or one of the other search engines. Secondly, ask your doctor firmly any questions you have and demand an answer.  Doctors sometimes do brush aside questions, as if they don’t have time.  Don’t let them brush it aside.

Just continue to sit in his/her office when they stand up to usher you out.  And keep asking questions and do not get up until you are satisfied or the Dr. leaves you talking in his office and you feel like they have closed the office on you. Yes, albuterol can make you shaky, nauseous and headachey.  I get all those if I use my puffer a lot.  I hate it, too.  And yes, your voice can change with inhaled steroids….I’m not too keen on that side effect, either. Rinse  your mouth out well after using inhalers.  You don’t want

thrush! Especially rinse when taking inhaled steroids.  You _definitely_ do not want to get thrush.  It can be very unpleasant – like having a constant itch (like a mosquito bite) down in your throat and you can’t scratch it. Asthma is a tricky thing…some kids seem to lose it.  Some people get it in old age.  I’ve had it since infancey and am now 36. My brother is 50 and has it bad still.  Think in terms of the long haul–if it goes away, consider it a gift from God. If it’s allergy related, and you can get desensitized to the allergens,you may just get rid of most of it…if not all.

Desensitization doesn’t work for everyone.  But you should definitely get tested for allergies.  First have your physician run a IGE blood test which will indicate if allergies are present.  If they are, then you can get tested a variety of ways by allergen injections under your skin (subcutaneous), blood testing (RAST), allergens under your tongue, etc.   But 1) read 2) ask 3) don’t take it for granted.  Thousands die from asthma attacks yearly.  My best friend’s mother died of asphyxiation from a very bad attack.  : <  It does and can happen. So follow your medical regimen and if you have a worsening, rush to the MD. Mir in Miami Love can heal when truth is found.

Hopefully, once you find your triggers – it could even be cold air – and you asthma is under control, it should go easier for you.   PS: with the machine medicines – they taste so awful I usually brush my teeth after each treatment to get rid of the taste. Hope this helps, MP in NJ

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So many people posted or emailed (or both) I appreciate the responses, I know I had a lot of questions. I did see my Dr.  She explained a bit more to me. I will be going on some nasal spray stuff that should work as preventative medicine. I do feel a tremendous sense of relief knowing there is a group on the net like this– Just knowing I am not alone, that helps, too. I cannot thank you all enough for your assistance. God bless, WARflower

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Thanks to everyone posting on this place. It is so great to know that I am not alone.  I could have used this last summer when I thought I was going crazy being afraid to go to sleep because I always woke up with an attack. (MY fault totally, treating it cavalier-ly with Primatene.) I have since found a great doctor and am on better meds.  Was on Prednisone for 7 months and am getting myself back together, after carefully weaning myself off.) Good breathing to all. Sarah E.

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    When I came down with asthma at 35 I was on very heavey amounts of 6 meds. ( I had been in the ER 3 times in 30 days).  after about 4 mos of this I could not walk across the floor.  So I kept a log.  when I got up, when I ate, when I took the meds., and when I felt bad and  how I felt.  Took it to my next appointment.  Dr. chnaged my meds.  and the times I took them.  Did much better afterwards.      But like the person posted before READ.  Get the books from library, go to the bookstores and find local asthma talk groups through your local chapter of American Lung Assoc. or hosptials and ask your Dr. questions. Over and over if needed. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Warflower, Have you gone and purchased books on asthma and read up on this disease that you seem to have?  This is a simple and basic first step.  Read up on your illness. Secondly, ask your doctor firmly any questions you have and demand an answer.  Doctors sometimes do brush aside questions, as if they don’t have time.  Don’t let them brush it aside. Yes, albuterol can make you shaky, nauseous and headachey.  I get all those if I use my puffer a lot.  I hate it, too.  And yes, your voice can change with inhaled steroids….I’m not too keen on that side effect, either. Rinse  your mouth out well after using inhalers.  You don’t want thrush! Asthma is a tricky thing…some kids seem to lose it.  Some people get it in old age.  I’ve had it since infancey and am now 36. My brother is 50 and has it bad still.  Think in terms of the long haul–if it goes away, consider it a gift from God. If it’s allergy related, and you can get desensitized to the allergens,you may just get rid of most of it…if not all.   But 1) read 2) ask 3) don’t take it for granted.  Thousands die from asthma attacks yearly.  My best friend’s mother died of asphyxiation from a very bad attack.  : <  It does and can happen. So follow your medical regimen and if you have a worsening, rush to the MD. Mir in Miami Love can heal when truth is found.

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Read your post. I’ve had asthma all my life. My asthma was mainly allergy and exercise induced (but was probably connected to my many bouts of bronchitis as a child), so I lived with it, I was lucky I could. This winter I had a bad case of some lung trouble which I thought was an infection of some kind. Bottom line was I couldn’t breathe. A doctor prescribed inhalers. I would have preferred to have had an infection so it could be cured, I didn’t want to know (or be reminded) that I had asthma. I didn’t want to be dependent on inhalers and didn’t understand how the disease worked. I’ve since read, asked questions and done web searches to find out all I can. I also experience a bit of shakiness from the albuterol. I don’t use it much, Serevent and Beclovent twice a day keep me breathing for most of my routines. I don’t notice side effects with them. Colds and viruses act as ‘triggers’ for my asthma. If I’m having lung trouble (and not exercising or experiencing allergic syptoms) chances are I’m fighting a bug. The meds have helped keep it from becoming a full blown case of bronchitis. I’d follow the prescribed routine and go back to the doctor with concerns/complaints. I’d insist on trying different available meds. If the doctor doesn’t accommodate, I’d find another one. Good luck. Deb

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Hello,..

Hi.  Read your post…and I thought I was having a bad day. what we have here is faailure to communicate,.. you have Asthma!!"

This seems to be the crux of your problems.  You’re not getting the answers you want/need.  Whether it’s because they aren’t telling you when you ask (this happens) or because you’re not asking the right questions (could be) or the people you ask don’t think you’ll understand, or they don’t know themselves (both possible but scary), you’re not around the knowledge corner yet.   Lurking in this group can help…it did for me.  However, a few specific concerns: Ohhhhh,… so THAT explains why I can hardley ever breath,… why, my MD was just SURE I was over-stating my case!

Asthma is a tricky diagnosis.  However, if your doctor never bothered to check (listening to your lungs, doing a peak-flow check; I’ve seen nurses who could do these), see if you can get a better M.D.   Bronchitus seems to be involved,.. so,.. I went on prednisone, asthacort,.. lots of yucky icky tasting Which, in turn, effected my voice for s short while,..

Prednisonde and Azmacort are steroids, designed for long-term buildup.   You’re not supposed to take them in an emergency.  Bronchitis can be very serious for asthmatics (although my wife and I both got it last year, got treatment, and lived through it in part because of prompt treatment ("It was the Antibiotics that Saved Christmas"). I had a few minor problems,.. I seemed to have some relieve in the last few months,.. so,.. I slacked on the inhaler,.. like,.. totally.

You can feel fine and still need to take Azmacort (or other steroids).   Until your doctor says not to. Again,.. I have bronchitus,.. so,.. since I am allergic to ampicillin, I go on CIPRO,.. She told me to NOT use the asthmacort for a few days, (I saw her on a friday and will return on a Tuesday) and instead, to take Albuterol liquid 3X day, and the albuterol inhaler  when needed…

Some steroids are contraindicated for other things.  I’m no doctor, so I don’t know what "other things" are. Fine,.. now– WILL SOMEONE PLEASE TELL ME WHAT THE HELL IS WRONG WITH ME??

1.  Maybe you went to the same nurse that once told me my fever, asthma attack, and vomiting were because I was just trying to get out of a final. (I was back in the hospital 12 hours later, with a severe attack and an ulcer.)   In all the fevor of getting the meds,.. No One in almost a year, has explained Why I need to take this, that or the other,.. and I DO ask…

It helps to write down your questions…and keep asking until you get the answers (about side effects, "contraindications", which is a fancy word for drugs you should avoid mixing, and the order to take them.)  Ask specifically about aspirin, because some doctors won’t tell you if you should stay away from it until you ask. BUT,.. I still am in the dark,.. I have no idea what I am supposed to know,.. Am I stuck with asthma forever?

No one could tell you this.  Some people go into remission (get better), others have it their whole lives.  Avoiding an attack seems to help you get better. this stuff? Why do I shake?  SOmeone told me albuterol is Like speed,.. Why do I feel like I’ll puke?

Again, tell your doctor how you feel.  Shaking seems to be a common side effect, some people have luck with potassium (do bananas seem to help?) Abuterol definitely has a stimulant side effect, as does ephinephrine (I heard on the news where they use ephniephrine to make some forms of speed.)  If you feel like you need more than the perscribed dose, call a doctor. I hate this feeling of SHAKING all the time,.. does albuterol give you heasdaches?

I used to get headaches when my astma was really bad–from the abuterol, the pregnisone, or the lack of oxegen I don’t know.  My doctor suggested Tylenol (but don’t mix it with alcohol.  Any excuse not to drink is worth taking.) Also ask about HEPA filters.  They aren’t cheap, but it’s kind of fun to scare your friends with what they’d be breathing if they didn’t have one. Good luck. Scott-T.

Response:

Warflower, Have you gone and purchased books on asthma and read up on this disease that you seem to have?  This is a simple and basic first step.  Read up on your illness. Secondly, ask your doctor firmly any questions you have and demand an answer.  Doctors sometimes do brush aside questions, as if they don’t have time.  Don’t let them brush it aside. Yes, albuterol can make you shaky, nauseous and headachey.  I get all those if I use my puffer a lot.  I hate it, too.  And yes, your voice can change with inhaled steroids….I’m not too keen on that side effect, either. Rinse  your mouth out well after using inhalers.  You don’t want thrush! Asthma is a tricky thing…some kids seem to lose it.  Some people get it in old age.  I’ve had it since infancey and am now 36. My brother is 50 and has it bad still.  Think in terms of the long haul–if it goes away, consider it a gift from God. If it’s allergy related, and you can get desensitized to the allergens,you may just get rid of most of it…if not all.   But 1) read 2) ask 3) don’t take it for granted.  Thousands die from asthma attacks yearly.  My best friend’s mother died of asphyxiation from a very bad attack.  : <  It does and can happen. So follow your medical regimen and if you have a worsening, rush to the MD. Mir in Miami Love can heal when truth is found.

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Hello,.. I guess I am looking for feed back-support,.. not real sure… Last year, I got very sick,.. sinusitus, ity seemed, which then became a (sp???) perforated ear drum,.. lo and behold, the ENT said, "Girl,.. what we have here is faailure to communicate,.. you have Asthma!!" Ohhhhh,… so THAT explains why I can hardley ever breath,… why, my MD was just SURE I was over-stating my case! Bronchitus seems to be involved,.. so,.. I went on prednisone, asthacort,.. lots of yucky icky tasting crap. Which, in turn, effected my voice for s short while,.. So,.. I figured (cuz,.. I dunno, it just SEEMED like the thing to do) that I’d go about my life,.. I had a few minor problems,.. I seemed to have some relieve in the last few months,.. so,.. I slacked on the inhaler,.. like,.. totally. So,.. GUESS WHAT?~ I had a real real bad morning- my sinuses were horrid, heachaches galor…  I FINALL call the NEW MD,.. she says,.. Oh,.. here ya  go,.. So, I get to use that cute little machine in the office (sounds like a Darth Vador effect) I get a shot of some steroid in my arm, a very stern lecture, and 3 new RX,.. Again,.. I have bronchitus,.. so,.. since I am allergic to ampicillin, I go on CIPRO,.. She told me to NOT use the asthmacort for a few days, (I saw her on a friday and will return on a Tuesday) and instead, to take Albuterol liquid 3X day, and the albuterol inhaler  when needed… Fine,.. now– WILL SOMEONE PLEASE TELL ME WHAT THE HELL IS WRONG WITH ME?? In all the fevor of getting the meds,.. No One in almost a year, has explained Why I need to take this, that or the other,.. and I DO ask… but,.. it is like,.. I am not heard,.. or I guess I am stupid because I do not uderstand,..  All I hear is: "well, if we stay on top of this, it is manageable" Or "It has to do with allergies" ok– Great– fine,.. BUT,.. I still am in the dark,.. I have no idea what I am supposed to know,.. Am I stuck with asthma forever? WHY do I feel so sick from this stuff? Why do I shake?  SOmeone told me albuterol is Like speed,.. Why do I feel like I’ll puke? can I still do what I want to do? (I want to scuba dive – but have to wait for ear problems to clear up) If ANYONE feels moved to talk to me about this- my gratitude would be very vast. I hate this feeling of SHAKING all the time,.. does albuterol give you heasdaches? I kow this is a wierd post– but,.. thanks in advance! WARflower

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Stretch marks can occur for lots of reasons, why do you think they’re from the Azmacort?  You would probably have to take mega-doses for it to effect your system like that.  You can get them from years of steroid intake because you gain weight and your skin stretches.  Inhaled steroids don’t make you gain weight. Marcy Tanter

This is not completely true.  Long periods of steroid use cause this as well.  These are not typical "stretch marks" as you may get from gaining weight.  One side effect of prednisone (or steroids) is thin shiny skin which is what this is. Bobbi Jo Rosol

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Stretch marks can occur for lots of reasons, why do you think they’re from the Azmacort?  You would probably have to take mega-doses for it to effect your system like that.  You can get them from years of steroid intake because you gain weight and your skin stretches.  Inhaled steroids don’t make you gain weight. Marcy Tanter

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Inhaled steroids don’t make you gain weight. Marcy Tanter

Hello Everyone I strongly disagree with the above statement.  One cannot generalize like that.  I have severe stretchmarks from Flixotide.  I gained some 10 kg (20 ponds) in a month’s time.   So although it may be unusual for inhaled steroids to let you gain weight, some persons do get disfigured by stretch marks.  Yet one must be careful not to overindulge in food and then point to your inhalers. Regards Japie Scholtz Disclaimer : The above is solely my own opinion, and I am not a qualified medical practitioner.

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Question:

I think you fail to understand my point, so i will state it as succinctly as possible. There are a number of people who over the years have claimed success with various nostrums and techniques. Two of these are anti-oxidants and pycnogenol. No one who is not selling these compounds has reported any success with them in the treatment of asthma.  Now a select group of people are touting a technique whose implementation has remained over these past few months a complete secret.  What are they selling? While you personally claim that you are not selling the product, at least one person reported to me that there is someone selling training in the technique for $350.00.  Why should yet another unproven technique go without scrutiny? With regard to your claim that Buteyko explains asthma, i repeat what i have said in the past, IT DOES NOT.  None of the so-called theory explains anything at all about asthma.  The "theory" says that asthma occurs because people aren’t breathing right and yet asthma attacks can be induced through the presence of pollen, dust, or any antigen in double blind studies.  Buteyko claims that during an asthma attack people are getting too much oxygen and yet during asthma attacks it can be shown that the person is getting too little oxygen.  In fact in extreme cases they become cyanotic (visibly oxygen deprived).  Also, Buteyko doesn’t explain how traditional approaches, such as allergy shots, Sodium Chromylyn, and steroids relieve the symptoms of asthma. These drugs won’t help anyone who has too much oxygen – i note the change in tactic which the Buteyko people have been taking in switching from the phrase hyperventilation to too much oxygen.  Are you unclear on your own terminology? Also, the proponents of Buteyko make a big deal out of breathing through the nose.  I breath through my nose and all of the other asthmatics i know breath through their nose and yet they still have asthma.  A competent physician will point out to asthmatic patients that they should breath through their nose because it normalizes the temperature of the air.   You asked me to cite the technique for pursed lip breathing, so here it is. Mr. Paul Sorvino’s book is about the use of diaphramatic and pursed lip breathing.  The former consists of practice breathing and speaking from the diaphram.  The latter is about exhaling through your mouth while keeping your lips closed so that the air must be forced out of the lungs; this causes the lungs to blow up like a balloon and to some degree countering the asthma attack.  While doctors recommend the use of pursed lip breathing as a way to control asthma attacks when they occur, Mr. Sorvino recommends regular use of the pursed lip breathing for a fixed period of time each day to help prevent asthma attacks. Breathing from the diaphram can be taught to you by anyone who is skilled at singing – it is how one gains control over the voice. Pursed lip breathing can be learned from his book (i cannot remember the title, but it can be found by searching for his name) or from a respiratory therapist.  I use both and have found that they help with mild asthma problems, but when things get a bit serious i revert to using Ventolin. These are all well known techniques, no secrets here.  So, i look forward to someone touting Buteyko posting a complete description of the technique, not some theory, but a complete description of how to practice it or a pointer as i have provided to books and other resources.  The proof of the pudding is in the eating! … jeff – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – < I find it interesting that you posted once to this group as someone gushing about the benefits Buteyko and then as someone who seems to be right, I’m really impressed with the results that I [Gary] have achieved with Buteyko. I have learned quite a bit in a very short time due to the courteous people on this net, but I do not intend to stop my research with just half the story. You will see further postings where I continue to seek   and provide additional information on Buteyko and related subjects. In this continuing search  I invite any and all comments from you and others, but lets try to be productive. your right again, but, if you followed my postings you might know  I am in the middle of a continuing medication adjustment experiment which includes Buteyko breathing exercises. The knowledge that others have provided is wonderful and valuable to me  and others. And, this includes your contribution about the pursed lips breathing. Let me guess, you work for the people selling Buteyko and probably know counts: I have no commercial interest whatsoever with Buteyko or anyone related to this subject. I am simply a life-long asthmatic, now retired, and have the time to research the subject.  The only thing I know about Buteyko is from my personal experiment and what has been posted on the net in the last few weeks.  I have repeatedly stated that I think Buteyko is one of the best kept secrets in the USA. Our system, that relies on having something to sell, has great trouble accepting something that