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Published on: January 8, 2019
Targeting pCO(2) in asthma: pilot evaluation of a capnometry-assisted breathing training
Alicia E Meuret1, Thomas Ritz, Frank H Wilhelm
1Department of Psychology, Southern Methodist University, Dallas, TX 75205, USA. ameuret@smu.edu
Objectives:
This pilot study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and potential benefits of a novel biofeedback breathing training for achieving sustained increases in pCO(2) levels.
Methods:
Twelve asthma patients were randomly assigned to an immediate 4-week treatment group or waiting list control. Patients were instructed to modify their respiration in order to change levels of end-tidal pCO(2) using a hand-held capnometer. Treatment outcome was assessed in frequency and distress of symptoms, asthma control, lung function, and variability of peak expiratory flow (PEF).
Results:
We found stable increases in pCO(2) and reductions in respiration rate during treatment and 2-month follow-up. Mean pCO(2) levels rose from a hypocapnic to a normocapnic range at follow-up. Frequency and distress of symptoms was reduced and reported asthma control increased. In addition, mean PEF variability decreased significantly in the treatment group.
Conclusions:
Our pilot intervention provided evidence for the feasibility of pCO(2)-biofeedback training in asthma patients.
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