Effect of prostrate position and coughing exercises upon level of dyspnea and persistent cough among non-intubated patients with COVID-19

Abstract

Background: The Novel Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) causes clinical symptoms ranging in severity. Dyspnea and coughing are determined as one of the most significant problems. This study aimed to investigate the effect of prostrate position and coughing exercises upon dyspnea and persistent cough levels among non-intubated patients with COVID-19. Method: An experimental study design was carried out in the COVID-19 wards in Imam Al-Hussein Medical City, from the period of October 2021 to March 2022. Results: More than 60% of the patients were elderly, 60% of the experimental group was male, and 53.3% of the control group was female, it is very useful to use prostrate position and coughing exercises to facilitate breathing patterns and decrease the severity of the cough. Conclusion: The prostration position and coughing exercises are very useful in improving gas exchange and relieving the severity of dyspnea and coughing in patients with COVID-19. In addition, this positive effect lasted for more than four hours of implementing the interventional protocol. Recommendations: Performing a prostrate position and coughing exercises one hour every four hours for patients with COVID-19 suffering from dyspnea and persistent cough.