Effectiveness of Crocodile Breathing Technique on Reducing Dyspnea, Rate of Perceived Exertion in Patient with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Case Report

Abstract

Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease 2023 defines COPD as a heterogeneous lung condition characterized by chronic respiratory symptoms (dyspnea, cough, expectoration, and/or exacerbations) due to abnormalities of the airways (bronchitis, bronchiolitis) and/or alveoli (emphysema) that cause persistent, often progressive, airflow obstruction. We present the case of a 54 year-old male patient who presented with complaints of breathlessness and cough dry in nature diagnosed with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary disease. The patient was subsequently referred for chest physiotherapy department to address these Breathlessness. As physiotherapists, we employed breathing exercises, and Crocodile Breathing Technique. This case ensures the significance of chest Crocodile Breathing Technique for patients with COPD. Outcome measures included the Modified Medical Research Council dyspnea grading scale, Borg-20 scale for rate of perceived exertion, the Functional Independence Measure score. Following the Physiotherapy management program, improvements were observed in all outcome measures. These findings indicate that Breathing exercise along with Crocodile Breathing Technique can give benefit to the patients suffering from Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease by reducing Breathlessness and enhancing functional independence.