Effect of Regular Smooth Breathing on the Intensity of Pain Caused by Dressing Change in Patients with Second-Degree Burns: A Clinical Trial

Background: The pain caused by wound dressing is common in burn patients. Using respiratory techniques is one of the nonpharmacological methods of pain control that has remained understudied in burn patients. Objectives: The aim of this study was to probe the effect of regular smooth breathing on the pain induced by dressing change in patients with second-degree burns. Methods: This clinical trial was performed on 30 qualified patients with second-degree burns. The subjects were chosen through random sampling and assigned to experimental (n = 15) and control (n = 15) groups. The respiratory intervention was carried out in four dressing change sessions for the experimental group while the control group received only the routine care. The data were collected using a demographic questionnaire and a visual analog scale (VAS) for measuring pain intensity. The results were subse- quently analyzed in SPSS 23 using the chi-square test, Fisher-exact test, and independent t-test. Results: Based on the results of independent t-test, the experimental and control groups showed a statistically significant difference in the mean score of pain intensity experienced in the first (4.53 vs. 7.87; P 0.001) and the fourth (3.20 vs. 5.93; P = 0.019) sessions after the respiratory intervention. Conclusions: Regular smooth breathing reduces the pain caused by dressing burn injuries. Therefore, this intervention is recommended for burn patients.