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Hypnotherapy in the treatment of bronchial asthma
Insights
Hypnotherapy significantly improved breathing in children with asthma, reducing symptoms by over 50%. This asthma treatment offers a non-pharmacological approach to manage acute attacks and improve lung function.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Pulmonology
- Complementary and Alternative Medicine
Background:
- Bronchial asthma is a chronic respiratory condition affecting children.
- Acute asthmatic attacks require effective and timely management.
- Pharmacological treatments can have side effects and limitations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of hypnotherapy in aborting acute asthmatic attacks in children.
- To assess the impact of hypnotherapy on pulmonary function and asthma symptoms.
Main Methods:
- A study involving 17 children (ages 6-17) diagnosed with bronchial asthma.
- Pulmonary function tests (spirometry) were conducted before and after hypnotic induction.
- Monitoring included dyspnea, wheezing, and subjective symptom ratings.
Main Results:
- Average improvement in pulmonary function exceeded 50% above baseline measurements.
- Significant reductions in dyspnea, wheezing, and subjective symptom severity were observed.
- Hypnotherapy demonstrated a positive effect on ventilatory capacity.
Conclusions:
- Hypnotherapy may serve as a valuable non-pharmacological tool for managing acute asthma attacks in children.
- It can improve lung function and promote relaxation, potentially by influencing autonomic responses to reduce bronchospasm.
Abstract:
The efficacy of hypnotherapy in aborting acute asthmatic attacks was studied in 17 children ranging in age from six to 17. All had as their primary diagnosis bronchial asthma. Prior to hypnotic induction pulmonary function was assessed, then monitored in the immediate post hypnotic period and at two intervals thereafter. The average improvement for all subjects was greater than 50% above the baseline measurement as documented by spirometry, monitored dyspnea, wheezing and subjective ratings by the subjects. It is suggested that hypnotherapy may be an important tool in ameliorating asthma, improving ventilatory capacity and promoting relaxation without recourse to pharmacologic agents. One explanation offered is that hypnosis affects an automic response, thereby diminishing bronchospasm.