The benefits of hypnosis as an adjunct treatment for bronchial asthma–a clinical trial

Resumen

Introduction: Bronchial asthma is a prevalent chronic respiratory disease associated with significant morbidity and healthcare costs. Complementary and alternative therapies, including hypnosis, have gained interest as potential adjunct treatments for asthma. However, rigorous scientific investigations exploring the specific effects of hypnosis on asthma management are very limited.

Objective: The study's objective was to evaluate the effects of hypnosis on asthma-related symptoms and psychological well-being in patients with moderate persistent asthma.

Methods: The study was enrolled 25 participants aged 18 to 65 with moderate persistent asthma. Patients received 12 hypnosis sessions in addition to their regular pharmacological treatment. The intervention included relaxation techniques, diaphragmatic breathing exercises, and self-esteem reinforcement. Outcome measures were assessed using the Medical Cornell Index for psychological symptoms and clinical evaluations for respiratory status. Statistical analyses included the McNemar test and chi-square test.

Results: Before the intervention, patients reported various psychological symptoms, with nervousness and anxiety being the most prevalent (44 %). After 12 weeks of hypnosis, a notable improvement in psychological symptoms and somatic manifestations of asthma was observed. Notably, 60 % of patients experienced complete resolution of acute weekly asthma attacks, and respiratory distress symptoms significantly decreased (p<0.0001). Additionally, vesicular breath sounds and pulmonary hyperresonance improved (p=0.1435, p=0.0035).

Conclusion: This clinical trial provides valuable insights into the potential benefits of hypnosis as an adjunctive treatment for bronchial asthma. The results suggest that hypnosis may improve both psychological and somatic symptoms associated with asthma, leading to better disease control and reduced asthma attacks.