THE INFLUENCE OF PUERSED LIP BREATHING AND DIAPHRAGMATIC BREATHING EXERCISES ON DYSPNEA AMONG PNEUMONIA PATIENTS IN THE EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT

Abstract

Background: Pneumonia is an acute respiratory infection frequently causes shortness of breath due to impaired gas exchange and alveolar inflammation. Non-pharmacological interventions such as Pursed Lip Breathing (PLB) and Diaphragmatic Breathing Exercise (DBE) have been shown to improve ventilation and oxygenation in respiratory disorders. Object: This study aimed to determine the effect of PLB and DBE on dyspnea levels among pneumonia patients in the Emergency Department. Method: This study used a quasi-experimental pretest–posttest control group design (Both the groups consisted of 8 respondents each, yielding a total of 16 respondents). Sixteen pneumonia patients with dyspnea selected using inclusion criteria and divided into two groups: an intervention group and a control group. Each intervention was performed in 5 cycles, consisting of 5 repetitions of PLB and DBE followed by a 2-minute rest. Dyspnea levels (Oxygen saturation (SpO₂) were measured before and after the intervention. Data were analyzed using the Paired Sample T-Test with a significance level of p < 0.05. Results: The mean SpO₂ in the intervention group increased from 91.62 to 98.87, while in the control group it increased from 90.87 to 97.62. Statistical analysis showed a significant difference in the intervention group (p = 0.000), indicating that PLB and DBE effectively improved oxygenation and reduced dyspnea compared to standard oxygen therapy alone. Conclusion: Pursed Lip Breathing and Diaphragmatic Breathing Exercises significantly improve oxygen saturation and reduce dyspnea in pneumonia patients. These techniques are simple, safe, and can be recommended as supportive nonpharmacological interventions in emergency respiratory care.