Author/Editor		Radon, Ema
Title		Učinki sprostitve ob izvajanju dihalnih vaj na kakovost življenja pri bolnikih z astmo
Translated title		Relaxation and breathing techniques - effects on quality of life in asthma patients
Type		monografija
Place		Ljubljana
Publisher		Visoka šola za zdravstvo
Publication year		2004
Volume		str. 35
Language		slo
Abstract		Introduction: Asthma is chronic pulmonary disease that still has the highest incidence among all pulmonary diseases. Although the prevalence increases approximately 5% per year, the expanding knowledge of the disease allows us to monitor and treat the disease more efficiently than ever before. Over the past years it became evident that patients' education is crucial in successful management of a disease and particularly in improving their quality of life. The first part of presented study consists of disease introduction and overview of management. As an important part of disease management, breathing and relaxation techniques are presented as a part of breathing retraining, particularly during asthma exacerbations. The resulting study deals with the short-term effects of breathing and relaxation techniques on asthma patients' health status and discussion about possible implications in practice. Aim of the presenting study was to defme the role of breathing and relaxation techniques on the level of dispnea, lung function parameters and quality of life of asthma patients. Methods: Randomization of patients into control and treatment group and a single-blinded protocol. Control (n=15) and treatment (n=16) group both completed 12-week observation period with the latter being included in breathing and relaxation exercises in week 6 till week 12. Spirometry was performed at the beginning and at the end of the study and patients' symptom record was collected on daily basis. Standardized quality of life assessment was performed using Saint Georges Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ). Results: Both groups were comparable in all demographic and spirometric data except the vital capacity that was lower in control group. There was significant improvement in quality of life, less wheezing and dispnea episodes and lower consumption of bronchodilator drug in treatment group. (Abstract truncated at 2000 characters).
Descriptors		ASTHMA BREATHING EXERCISES RELAXATION TECHNIQUES QUALITY OF LIFE SPIROMETRY VITAL CAPACITY FORCED EXPIRATORY VOLUME PEAK EXPIRATORY FLOW RATE QUESTIONNAIRES