Effects of Adding Alternative Nostril Breathing to Medication on Breathlessness and Breathing Control in Adults with Bronchial Asthma

What this Trial Is About

Bronchial asthma is a common chronic condition characterized by inflammation and narrowing of the airways, causing repeated episodes of breathlessness, wheezing, and difficulty breathing. This research aims to compare the effects of alternative nostril breathing combined with standard pharmacological management against pharmacological management alone on symptoms such as dyspnea, control pause, asthma control, and peak expiratory flow rate in patients with bronchial asthma. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups one group will practice alternative nostril breathing alongside their prescribed asthma medications, while the other group will receive only the pharmacological treatment as prescribed by a pulmonologist. The breathing exercises consist of slow, deep inhalations and exhalations through alternate nostrils with breath holds, supervised twice weekly by a physiotherapist and practiced at home five days a week for a total of four weeks. The medication group follows a stepwise approach adjusted according to symptoms and severity over the same four-week period. During the study, participants will have their symptoms and lung function assessed before and after the four-week treatment period. Measurements include dyspnea levels, control pause time, asthma control status, and peak expiratory flow rate. A home diary will be used to ensure adherence to breathing exercises. The study monitors these outcomes to evaluate the combined effect of breathing exercises and medication on asthma management.

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