Effect of Pranayama in Controlling Symptoms and Improvement in Pulmonary Function in Mild to Moderate Asthmatics in Adolescent Age Group (Not on ICS)

The aim of this study is to determine the effect of Pranayama in controlling symptoms and improvement in pulmonary function in adolescent asthmatic children who were not on long-term inhalational anti-asthmatics. Sixty children in the age group of 10-15 years who were mild to moderate asthmatics according to GINA (Global Initiative for Asthma 2018) guidelines, and not on any long term medications. Thirty were assigned randomly to the study group and was advised to do pranayama routinely for 30 minutes daily. Out of the 30 children in study group 24 children showed significant improvement compared to 2 in the control group during nine month follow-up period. Out of 30 patients in the study group on follow up 24 children significantly improved on Pulmonary Function Tests. 5 had poor pulmonary function test with episodic respiratory symptoms and 1 had severe attack. Out of 30 patients in the control group on follow up 28 had poor pulmonary function test and only 2 significantly improved. A statistically significant higher FEV1 values were observed in the study group compared to the control group in the end of the study period with p<0.001. Breathing exercise which is a cost effective method can improve the quality of life. As a complementary therapy Pranayama can be advised in mild to moderate asthmatic.