Written by Rachel Newton December, 2010
Kathy, age 6
Kathy is my ‘Sweet Pea.’ She is 6 years old and has terrible allergies and a blocked nose. Her breathing difficulties caused me to feel increasingly concerned so I took her to a number of doctors. Finally, we went to an Ear, Nose and Throat Doctor who told us that she had enlarged adenoids that needed to be removed surgically.
Kathy is very sensitive, and knowing how traumatic this would be for her I had to search for other options. I soon discovered Buteyko Breathing Center and learned of an alternative to adenoidectomy, a program called Adenoids Without Surgery. Our teacher taught Kathy and I the Buteyko Method, explaining that pathologically enlarged adenoids are caused by hyperventilation. After a little while of practicing the Buteyko breathing exercises I noticed Kathy was sleeping better, and saw her petting the neighbor’s cat, the same cat she usually stays away from because of her allergies!
With each week, she seemed better and better, and when we went back to the E.N.T. for pre-op, he said she didn’t look like she needed surgery anymore! Sometimes it is difficult to motivate Kathy to practice, but she is always better when we do, and slowly but surely, I notice her allergies are getting better. She still has allergies, but she was able to avoid surgery, and we will keep practicing knowing that her health will continue to improve!
Kathy Newton, age 6.
Westfield, MA
