Q: Can asthma be treated by pranayama or breathing exercises?

A:Asthma is a variable disease and response to western medicine treatment is still the best advice for asthma treatment both in children and adults. Breathing exercises may be of a value and there is no evidence that ayurvedic medicine or exercises are any better than conventional exercises for any lung disease patient. Exercise sometimes causes severe symptoms and prophylactic medications should be taken before beginning the exertion to prevent wheezing and dyspnoea. Various desensitisation courses take many weeks or months to benefit and are not recommended in mild to moderate asthma problems. Good management is needed and elimination of the causes such as cat fur and other irritant contact should be avoided in such cases if possible. Asthma is not curable but can be controlled with an appropriate use of medications.