Yoga relieves symptoms of bronchial asthma

Yoga exercises can alleviate the symptoms of bronchial asthma and improve patients' quality of life. Yoga does not seem to have a positive influence on lung function.

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Yoga is recommended for asthma, as breathing exercises (pranayama) and meditation (dhyana) have a calming effect on breathing.

Scientists from China have evaluated the results of 15 randomized clinical trials comparing yoga with conventional or apparent yoga practice in patients with bronchial asthma.

The 1,048 participants suffered from mild to moderate asthma. The disease duration was between six months and more than 23 years. Most patients continued to take their medications in parallel with the yoga exercises.

The researchers found evidence of "mediocre evidence" for beneficial effects on quality of life and symptoms. In addition, yoga lowered drug consumption in two studies. An advantage for lung function was not evident in the studies. The study can be found here. (Pm)