Effect of Acupressure Sessions on Dyspnea and Fatigue among Patients with Bronchial Asthma.

Abstract

Bronchial asthma is a syndrome characterized by airflow obstruction; Dyspnea and fatigue are the most disabling symptoms in asthma and the trigger point of physical inactivity with a consequent lower standard of quality of life. Acupressure is one of important non-pharmacological modalities which leads to reduction of asthma symptoms and ultimately enhances asthma control. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of acupressure sessions on dyspnea and fatigue among patients with bronchial asthma. Research design: A quasi experimental research design was conducted on sixty patients with bronchial asthma who were admitted to the Chest inpatient Unit of Alexandria Main University Hospital. Three tools were used for data collection: Tool I: Patients with bronchial asthma assessment. Tool II: Dyspnea Assessment questionnaire. Tool III: Fatigue Assessment questionnaire. Results of the present study revealed that there were significant differences between control and study group patients related to their grade of dyspnea and fatigue severity after application of acupressure sessions. Conclusion: acupressure may be effective as an adjuvant therapy to the traditional management for patients with bronchial asthma to improve dyspnea and fatigue syndromes. Recommendations of this study include, illustrated self-administered acupressure intervention booklets distributed to patients with bronchial asthma, could be of help, additionally, development and implementation of acupressure training program for nurses, about acupressure are advocated.