Yoga and Asthma

Yoga and Asthma refers to research on yoga interventions — particularly pranayama breathing techniques — for asthma management.

Summary

Studies examine whether yoga breathing and postural practices improve pulmonary function, symptom control, and quality of life in asthma patients.

Key Findings

Cochrane reviews find low-to-moderate evidence that yoga improves quality of life and symptom control but not objective pulmonary function (FEV1). Pranayama techniques may reduce bronchial hyperreactivity. Effects on medication use are inconsistent.

Methodology

RCTs typically combine pranayama with asana over 8–16 weeks. Outcomes include spirometry (FEV1, peak flow), symptom scores, and quality of life measures.

Limitations

Objective lung function outcomes rarely improve. Blinding of breathing interventions is difficult. Most studies have small samples and high risk of bias.

Verification Notes

• Yang et al. (2016) Cochrane review is the primary systematic review.
• Literature reviewed through 2020s.