Exploring the effect of peppermint oil massage on pulmonary function in patients with bronchial asthma: insights from a case series

Bronchial asthma (BA) is a chronic inflammatory disorder characterized by airway hyperresponsiveness and obstruction, leading to symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. Management typically involves inhaled corticosteroids, but their adverse effects necessitate exploring alternative therapies. Aromatherapy massage, particularly using peppermint oil, may offer therapeutic benefits due to its anti-inflammatory and broncho dilatory properties. This study investigates the impact of upper back massage with peppermint oil on pulmonary function in BA patients. Three female patients with a history of poorly controlled BA participated in this case series. Each patient received a 20-minute upper back massage with peppermint oil daily for 10 days. Pulmonary function tests (PFTs) were conducted before and after the intervention, measuring forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1), the FEV1/FVC ratio, peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR), and forced expiratory flow (FEF 25-75%). All patients showed improvement in pulmonary function post-intervention. Case 1: FVC increased from 80% to 97%, FEV1 from 67% to 82%, and PEFR from 72% to 93%. Case 2: FVC improved from 69% to 81%, FEV1 from 64% to 76%, and FEF 25-75% from 40% to 50%. Case 3: FVC rose from 74% to 78%, FEV1 from 55% to 60%, and PEFR from 56% to 63%. Upper back massage using peppermint oil appears to enhance pulmonary function in individuals with bronchial asthma.