Attitudes, practices and knowledge of Macedonian primary health care physicians and pediatricians regarding Buteyko breathing technique as complementary method of asthma treatment

Authors:
1. Adrijana Ugrinoska Pandeva - Department for chronic respiratory diseases in children above 3 years, Institute for respiratory diseases in children Kozle, Skopje, Republic of North Macedonia
2. Aneta Lazarova - Primary, preventive and dental care centre " Gazi Baba, Public Health institute - Health Center Skopje, Republic of North Macedonia

Background: Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by an obstruction of airflow which results in difficulty in breathing. Asthma affects 5-10% of the population. In adition to pharmacologic management many patients use complementary therapies. The Buteyko Breathing Technique (BBT) is distinctive breathing therapy that uses control breath and breath-holding exercises.

Aim: of this study is to evaluate the knowledge, attitudes and practices of primary health care physicians and pediatricians regarding Buteyko breathing technique as complementary method of asthma treatment.

Methods : The survey was conducted in September - October 2020 with the distribution of an anonymous survey questionnaire electronically in the form of Google document to 74 primary care physicians and pediatricians who work in various inpatient and outpatient units.

Results : 42 respondents answered the questionnaire. The largest percentage of respondents are aged 36-45 y with 10-25 years of work experience. 78,6% work with patients with chronic respiratory diseases. 38,1% of patients use alternative medicine for asthma management, mostly homeopathy, yoga and phytothetapy. Approximately half of physicians recommend a breathing technique most often yoga breathing. 21,4% of doctors know about Buteyko breathing technique and 7,1% practice that technique. Education for BBT was welcomed by most physicians ( 95,2%).

Conclusions : Macedonian primary health care physicians and pediatrician are familiar with some alternative therapies and breathing technique for relieving asthma symptoms, but only a few now about Buteyko breathing method. There are educational needs for Buteyko breathing technique in clinical practice.

Adrijana Ugrinoska Pandeva BS

Institute for respiratory disease in children Kozle

Appearances