Impact of Glossopharyngeal Breathing on Expectoration, Airway Clearance and Vital Capacity in Pulmonary Tuberculosis Patients: A Cross Sectional Study

Abstract

Introduction: Mycobacterium Tuberculosis is the main agent causing Pulmonary Tuberculosis spread by droplet nuclei that remain airborne for minutes to hours after expectoration via coughing, talking, sneezing or singing. TB is characterized by accumulated mucous in the airway creating a favorable environment for secondary host infections to grow, reduced vital capacity, weakness of respiratory musculature, atelectasis leading to respiratory failure. Aim: To assess the impact of glossopharyngeal breathing on expectoration, airway clearance and vital capacity in pulmonary tuberculosis patients. Methodology: Inpatient tuberculosis patients were selected via a simple random sampling technique with a sample size of 197 participants. The application of Glossopharyngeal Breathing (GBP), with the objective of facilitating cough by piston pumping maneuver for exculpating the mucus from lungs hence aims to increase the vital capacity and overall lung compliance. Before and after performing glossopharyngeal breathing, the vital capacity was measured with a spirometer for assessing the outcomes. Results: The increase in exculpating mucus rate with aid of a different breathing pattern, glossopharyngeal breathing was beneficial in increasing lung compliance and vital capacities (p-value of 0.0001) and also enhancing the strength of the respiratory muscle in patients who are suffering from decreased breathing rate due to accumulation of mucus in the airway. Conclusion: The experimental study has established data on the effects of GPB on expectoration, VC and chest tightness in pulmonary tuberculosis patients. According to the data collected, the average age affected was adults with weak immunity. Research shows that assistance for physiotherapists and other health care providers in hospitals as it is cost-effective, easy to perform and less time-consuming.