Marwa Fathalla Mostafa^1,, Asmaa Ibrahem Abo Seada¹

Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is one of the most reported problems in intensive care units (ICUs). It is a major cause of disability and death worldwide. Breathing techniques are an essential part of a comprehensive pulmonary rehabilitation program for COPD patients. Performing breathing techniques reduce the frequent dyspnea, promote relaxation and improve pulmonary function. Aim: To evaluate the effectiveness of breathing techniques on dyspnea among critically ill chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Method Quasi-experimental research design was used in this study. The study involved 50 adult COPD patients recruited from pulmonary ICU at Mansoura University Hospitals in Egypt. Patients were divided into two groups randomly 25 patients in the control group and 25 patients in the intervention group. Data were collected using the demographic and health-relevant data, physiological and ABG parameters of patients and finally the modified medical research council dyspnea scale. Results: After undergoing breathing exercises in the intervention group, the mean score of dyspnea was significantly reduced (P< 0.001). Also, there was a significant improvement in the patients' physiological and ABG parameters compared to the control group. Conclusion: breathing techniques improve dyspnea in critically ill COPD patients. Recommendations: Respiratory breathing techniques should be used as a routine non-pharmacological, safe, and low-cost method in rehabilitation care for patients with COPD.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, Breathing technique, Dyspnea