An Interview with Sasha Yakovleva, Buteyko Breathing Specialist
Kary Kilmer: Welcome to the place where we ask the questions that really matter to parents. And today’s question? It’s a big one:
What if your child’s enlarged adenoids aren’t the real problem… but their breathing is?
What is a natural remedy for enlarged adenoids?
To help us explore this often-overlooked connection, I spoke with Sasha Yakovleva—founder of the Buteyko Breathing Center, internationally recognized Buteyko Specialist, and author of Adenoids Without Surgery.
Host: Sasha, welcome! We’re so glad to have you here.
Sasha: Thank you! I’m thrilled to be here—especially to talk about this topic. So many parents miss it, but it’s such a game-changer once you understand it.
Host: Let’s dive right in. When parents hear “enlarged adenoids,” the first thought is usually: Oh no, surgery’s coming. But you’re saying that might not be the real issue?
Sasha: Exactly. And not just “not the issue”—it’s often a symptom of something bigger. Every child I’ve seen with enlarged adenoids was also a chronic mouth breather. That’s no coincidence—it’s the cause.
Host: Wait… mouth breathing causes adenoids to enlarge?
Sasha: Yes! Mouth breathing disrupts the entire respiratory system. It reduces carbon dioxide (CO2) in the lungs, which interferes with oxygen delivery to the body. Over time, the adenoids swell as a protective mechanism to prevent CO2 loss. Mouth breathing also dries out the airways, causes inflammation, and weakens the immune system.
Host: A protective mechanism? That’s definitely not something most ENTs tell parents.
Sasha: Right, because in mainstream medicine, enlarged adenoids are just seen as “extra tissue” that happens to block airways. But through the Buteyko lens—based on the work of Dr. K.P. Buteyko—it’s actually the body’s response to hyperventilation. The adenoids try to block excessive breathing. That’s the real root cause.
Host: So kids are over-breathing, and their bodies are trying to slow things down?
Sasha: Exactly. Most children today breathe too much—too deeply, too often. It’s called chronic hyperventilation. To protect itself, the body reacts with inflammation and blockage. Think enlarged adenoids, stuffy noses, persistent coughs—these are all defense mechanisms.
Host: So if a child is mouth breathing, especially at night, it’s not just a bad habit—it’s fueling the cycle?
Sasha: That’s it. And here’s the tricky part: their adenoids are swollen, which makes nasal breathing harder. But they’re swollen because of mouth breathing. It’s a vicious cycle.
So… If Not Surgery, Then What?
Host: No wonder surgery seems like the only option. But here’s what every parent wants to know: Can this be reversed without surgery?
Sasha: In most cases—yes. That’s the beauty of the Buteyko Method. Through specific breathing exercises and gentle lifestyle shifts, children can retrain their breath. Once nasal, light breathing is restored, the body no longer feels the need to defend itself. Inflammation reduces. The adenoids calm down. Symptoms improve.
Host: No steroids. No surgery. Just… breathing differently?
Sasha: That’s right. It’s not a quick fix—but it’s real. With 2–4 months of guided practice, I’ve seen incredible transformations.
Hyperventilation: The Real Enemy
Host: Let’s talk about that root cause. You keep coming back to hyperventilation. Most people think more air = more oxygen, but you’re saying that’s not true?
Sasha: That’s the big misconception. Over-breathing actually reduces oxygen delivery. When you blow off too much CO2, your body can’t effectively use the oxygen you’re inhaling. This is known as the Verigo-Bohr effect. It leads to oxygen starvation, even if you’re breathing a lot.
Host: So these kids are breathing too much—and it’s actually hurting them?
Sasha: Exactly. The body responds by saying, “Whoa—too much air!” and starts to block the airways. That’s how adenoids grow. It can lead to congestion, ear infections, asthma, and more.
The Signs Parents Miss
Host: It’s such a hidden pattern. I know a lot of parents are thinking, This sounds like my child. The sleep issues alone—snoring, restlessness, night sweats?
Sasha: Yes! Those are all signs of dysfunctional breathing. And sadly, most parents are told it’s “just a phase” or “just allergies.” But once we restore nasal breathing, everything starts to improve: sleep, focus, immunity, even energy levels.
Host: And what about facial development? I’ve heard of “adenoid face” before.
Sasha: It’s real. Long-term mouth breathing can reshape a child’s face—narrow jaw, high palate, recessed chin, droopy eyes. It’s not just cosmetic—it affects speech, posture, and overall health.
Where Do Parents Start?
Host: So, let’s say a parent is recognizing these signs. What’s the first step?
Sasha: Start by observing your child’s breathing. Are they breathing through the nose or mouth—especially during sleep? Do they yawn or sigh often? Constant congestion or dry lips? Those are red flags.
Once you identify dysfunctional breathing, the next step is to restore nasal breathing. That’s where the Buteyko Breathing Normalization Program comes in. It’s not just about exercises—it’s a full education for the family. Parents learn to guide their children. It becomes a team effort.
Host: So it’s not just treating a symptom—it’s a full reset.
Sasha: Exactly. I call it breathing re-education. And it’s so rewarding to watch a child go from chronic fatigue to vibrant health—just by learning to breathe the way nature intended.
But What If Surgery’s Already Scheduled?
Host: What about more severe cases—when surgery’s already booked?
Sasha: We’ve had many children in that exact position. And in many cases, I was able to reduce inflammation through breathing exercises before the surgery happened. Sometimes, that alone opened the nasal passages and made surgery unnecessary. In other cases, surgery was helpful—but then we used the Buteyko Method afterward to prevent recurrence.
Host: That sounds like a miracle to most parents.
Sasha: It’s not magic—it’s just working with the body, not against it. Once you address hyperventilation, the body no longer needs to defend itself with swelling and congestion.
Breathing Is a Family Affair
Host: You mentioned working with families. What does that look like?
Sasha: Most of my sessions are online now. I work directly with parents, teaching them how to coach their child’s breathing in a gentle, fun way. For younger kids, we use movement and play to make it a game. When it’s fun, they engage—and the transformation begins.
Host: And how soon do parents see results?
Sasha: Sometimes right after the first few sessions! A child might sleep through the night for the first time, or say, “I can hear again!” Full healing takes time, but change often happens fast—especially when the parents are all-in.
Final Thoughts
Host: Before we wrap up… why do you think so many parents still default to surgery?
Sasha: Because they don’t know they have another option. When your child is suffering, and the only thing you hear is, “We have to remove the adenoids,” it feels like the only choice. But it’s often just a temporary fix. The adenoids may grow back, or symptoms may shift. Hyperventilation remains untreated.
Host: And the breathing piece just gets missed entirely.
Sasha: Exactly. It’s not that ENTs are trying to mislead parents—they just aren’t trained in this area. Buteyko Breathing sees the whole child, the whole system. We don’t treat adenoids—we help the body become healthy through better breathing.
Host: Last question: What do you say to the parent who’s feeling overwhelmed and skeptical?
Sasha: I say this: Your child’s body is not broken. It’s trying to help. And with the right support, it can heal. You’re not alone. The Buteyko Method has helped many families, and it can help yours too. Just start with one breath. That’s how healing begins.
Host: Sasha, thank you. This was eye-opening—and honestly, hopeful.
Sasha: Thank you. That’s what this work is all about: hope, and real healing.
