EFFECTS OF DIAPHRAGMATIC AND THORACIC SEGMENTAL BREATHING EXERCISE WITH PURSED LIP ON NICOTINE WITHDRAWAL SYMPTOMS AND SMOKING CESSATION RATE IN INDIVIDUALS WISHING TO QUIT SMOKE

Abstract

Nicotine withdrawal symptoms are an important problem for smoking cessation and cause a failure to quit smoking. Breathing exercise has been proposed to decrease nicotine withdrawal symptoms in acute effect but not in long term effect. The propose of this study was to investigate the effects of breathing exercise on nicotine withdrawal symptoms and smoking cessation rate for 6-month follow up. Thirty one adult smokers who intending to quit smoking were participated. All participants performed diaphragmatic and thoracic segmental breathing exercise with purse lip when they had nicotine withdrawal symptoms. They had to inform about their nicotine withdrawal symptoms including desire to smoke, irritable or anger, tension or anxiety, depression, poor concentration, restless or insomnia, increase appetite or weight gain, constipation, and dry mouth or sore throat, as well as the number of cigarette smoking per day. All outcomes were recorded at the 1^st day, the 3^rd month and the 6^th month of the breathing training. The results indicated that the number of participants who had nicotine withdrawal symptoms were decreased almost of the symptoms at 3 months and 6 months. A successful smoking cessation rate was 36% and cut down rate was 45%. In conclusion, breathing exercise could decrease nicotine withdrawal symptoms and the successful cessation rate was high.