Implementing Semi-Fowler Position and Pursed Lip Breathing in Acute Bronchitis Exacerbation
Keywords:
Acute Bronchitis, Semi-Fowler position, Pursed Lip Breathing, Oxygen Saturation, Sputum Production, WheezingAbstract
acute exacerbation bronchitis is a common respiratory condition that significantly affects patient well-being, especially in elderly individuals. Non-pharmacological interventions like the Semi-Fowler position (SFP) and pursed lip breathing (PLB) have shown potential in improving respiratory function. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of SFP and PLB in improving oxygen saturation, reducing sputum production, and alleviating wheezing in a patient with acute bronchitis exacerbation. An 80-year-old female patient with acute bronchitis exacerbation was treated SFP and PLB over a three-day period. Clinical parameters such as respiratory rate, oxygen saturation, sputum production and wheezing were monitored. The patient showed significant improvement: oxygen saturation increased from 93% to 99%, sputum production decreased from 4 to 2, and wheezing reduced from 4 to 1.
SFP and PLB proved effective in improving respiratory function in acute bronchitis exacerbation, providing a valuable adjunct to pharmacological treatments.
References
Ajibowo, A. O., Kolawole, O. A., Sadia, H., Amedu, O. S., Chaudhry, H. A., Hussaini, H., Hambolu, E., Khan, T., Kauser, H., & Khan, A. (2022). A Comprehensive Review of the Management of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome. Cureus. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.30669
Alotaibi, A. M. (n.d.). Tec Empresarial.
Al-Worafi, Y. M. (2024). Epidemiology and Burden of Respiratory Diseases in Developing Countries. In Handbook of Medical and Health Sciences in Developing Countries (pp. 1–24). Springer International Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-74786-2_332-1
Cai, Y., Ren, X., Wang, J., Ma, B., & Chen, O. (2024). Effects of Breathing Exercises in Patients With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Network Meta-analysis. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 105(3), 558–570. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apmr.2023.04.014
Hogea, S., Tudorache, E., Fildan, A. P., Fira‐Mladinescu, O., Marc, M., & Oancea, C. (2020). Risk factors of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease exacerbations. The Clinical Respiratory Journal, 14(3), 183–197. https://doi.org/10.1111/crj.13129
Huang, H., Da, J., Watson, R., Hayter, M., & Huang, M. (2024). Development and Validation of an Evidence‐Based Home Pursed Lip Breathing Protocol for Improving Health Outcomes in Patients With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. International Journal of Older People Nursing, 19(4). https://doi.org/10.1111/opn.12627
Ismail, A. Sh., Mohammad, S. Y., & Mourad, A. H. (2021). Effect of Body Position on Oxygenation and Hemodynamic Status among Patients with Traumatic Brain Injury. Evidence-Based Nursing Research, 3(2), 15. https://doi.org/10.47104/ebnrojs3.v3i2.191
Jeyachandran, V., & Hurst, J. R. (2022). Advances in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: management of exacerbations. British Journal of Hospital Medicine, 83(7), 1–7. https://doi.org/10.12968/hmed.2022.0275
Kızılırmak, D., & Yorgancıoğlu, A. (2023). Acute and Chronic Bronchitis. In Airway Diseases (pp. 555–562). Springer International Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-22483-6_36-1
Ko, F. W., Chan, K. P., Hui, D. S., Goddard, J. R., Shaw, J. G., Reid, D. W., & Yang, I. A. (2016). Acute exacerbation of COPD. Respirology, 21(7), 1152–1165. https://doi.org/10.1111/resp.12780
Maizura, T., Ruhdiyat, A., & Afriyanti, L. (2023). Analysis Of Nursing Practices In COPD Patients Using The Intervention Of Providing The High Fowler Position To Improve Lung Ventilatory Function In The Ed Room Of Hj Bunda Halimah Hospital Batam. 13(2), 8–18. https://doi.org/10.37776/zk.v13i1
Novianti, S. S. (2025). Application Of Semi Fowler Position In Overcoming The Problem Of Ineffective Breathing Pattern In Mrs. C With Bronchopneumonia In The Prabu Siliwang 3 Room, Gunung Jati Rsd, Cirebon. In PT Nuansa Fajar Cemerlang.
Pangestu, A. W., Sutawardana, J. H., Murtaqib, & Mustakim. (2025). Breathe Better: The Role of Pursed Lips Breathing Therapy in Chronic Bronchitis Patients. Jurnal Kegawatdaruratan Medis Indonesia, 4(1), 104–144. https://doi.org/10.58545/jkmi.v4i1.344
Purnamayanti, N. K. D., Tondok, S. B., Susasnto, W. H. A., & Rohmani, R. (2023). Impact of Semi-Fowler’s Position in Chronic Heart Failure (CHF) Patients: Scoping Review. Jurnal Penelitian Pendidikan IPA, 9(11), 1229–1236. https://doi.org/10.29303/jppipa.v9i11.5074
Rahmah, G. N., Ibnu Kahtan, M., Fauzan, S., & Lili Neri, E. (2024). The Effect Of Semi-Fowler Position On Oxygen Saturation In Patients With Chronic Heart Failure In West Kalimantan. Dunia Keperawatan: Jurnal Keperawatan Dan Kesehatan, 12(1), 31–37. https://doi.org/10.20527/jdk.v12i1.615
Rehman, A., Hassali, M. A. A., Abbas, S., Ali, I. A. B. H., Harun, S. N., Muneswarao, J., & Hussain, R. (2020). Pharmacological and non-pharmacological management of COPD; limitations and future prospects: a review of current literature. Journal of Public Health, 28(4), 357–366. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10389-019-01021-3
Shanbhag, M. S., Yogeraj, N., & Guide, P. G. (2022). Physiological Cost Index Among Individuals With Mild To Moderate Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease And Their Compliance With Pulmonary Rehabilitation Cardio-Respiratory Disorders Dr. Sangeeta Appannavar.
Sihombing, H., & Lisnawati. (2024). COVID-19: Journal of Health, Medical Records and Pharmacy https://jurnal.devitara.or.id/index.php/sehat E-ISSN: 3032-4033 Volume 2 Nomor 1 Tahun 2024 Implementation Of The Semi Fowler Position To Improve The Effectiveness Of Breathing Patterns In Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) Patients At Vita Insani Pematangsiantar Hospital. https://jurnal.devitara.or.id/index.php/sehat
Soemah, N. E., Savinda Afista, & Agus Haryanto. (2024). The Effect of Giving Semi Fowler Position in Reducing Ineffective Breathing in Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) Patients at RSUD Ibnu Sina Gresik Hospital (Case Study Research). Journal of Scientific Research, Education, and Technology (JSRET), 3(1), 54–61. https://doi.org/10.58526/jsret.v3i1.315
Viegi, G., Maio, S., Fasola, S., & Baldacci, S. (2020). Global Burden of Chronic Respiratory Diseases. Journal of Aerosol Medicine and Pulmonary Drug Delivery, 33(4), 171–177. https://doi.org/10.1089/jamp.2019.1576
Yang, Y., Wei, L., Wang, S., Ke, L., Zhao, H., Mao, J., Li, J., & Mao, Z. (2022). The effects of pursed lip breathing combined with diaphragmatic breathing on pulmonary function and exercise capacity in patients with COPD: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Physiotherapy Theory and Practice, 38(7), 847–857. https://doi.org/10.1080/09593985.2020.1805834
