Application of Diaphragmatic Breathing in Patients With Disorders of Gut-brain Interaction

Patients with disorders of gut-brain interaction (DGBI) often present gastrointestinal symptoms that do not show noticeable irregularities in standard examinations. However, due to unclear causes and a high prevalence rate, this condition often exerts a profound impact on the physical and mental health of patients. The scope of DGBI encompasses conditions such as laryngopharyngeal reflux, functional dyspepsia, and irritable bowel syndrome. Previous research has confirmed that in patients with DGBI, their autonomic nervous system exhibits an imbalance, charact erized by decreased parasympathetic activity and dominant sympathetic activity. Diaphragmatic breathing helps reduce the respiratory rate and can stimulate parasympathetic activity while suppressing sympathetic activity. Hence, it is now officially recommended as an effective adjunct therapy for relieving symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux. Accordingly, this study plans to implement a randomized controlled trial, introducing diaphragmatic breathing to patients with DGBI who exhibit normal results in objective examinations. This work allows evaluate changes in their psychophysical symptoms before and after treatment, as well as alterations in the autonomic nervous system .