Additive Effects of Alternative Nostril Breathing with Pharmacological Management on Dyspnea and Control Pause in Patients with Bronchial Asthma

Additive Effects of Alternative Nostril Breathing with Pharmacological Management on Dyspnea and Control Pause in Patients with Bronchial Asthma

Bronchial asthma is a widespread chronic condition charactrized by inflammation and narrowing of airways, leading to repeateted episodes of breathlessness, wheezing and labored breathing.Breathing exercises help to manage hyperventilation often seen in asthmatic patients. To handle respiratory complications asthmatics are advised to practise nasal breathing techniques in conjunction with their prescribed medications.

Bronchial asthma is a very common chronic disease marked by inflammation and constriction of airways, resulting in recurrent episodes of breathlessness, wheezing and decrease work of breathing. Breathing exercises help to manage hyperventilation associated with asthma. In order to manage respiratory conditions asthmatic patients are encouraged for nasal breathing techniques along with pharmacological management. Hence the objective of the study is to compare the effects of alternative nostril breathing along with pharmacological management versus pharmacological management alone on dyspnea, control pause, asthma control and peak expiratory flow rate in patients with bronchial asthma.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Adults: aged (18-45 years)
• Gender: Both males and females
• Grade1- Grade 4 on Modified MRC dyspnea scale
• Asthma severity classes (intermediate, mild persistent and moderate persistent asthma) acc. to NAEPP national asthma education and prevention program guidlin

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients having acute exacerbation of COPD or status asthmaticus
• Patients diagnosed with acute infections
• Patients unable to follow command/ instructions
• Asthma patients with >40 sec control pause duration
• Patients who fall in red zone of asthma action plan (PEFR < 50%)