Biofeedback assisted deep breathing training in refractory disorders of gut-brain interaction – our first experience, impressions and suggestions for further clinical practice

Introduction: Disorders of gut-brain interaction represents a group of a wide variety of chronic gastrointestinal diseases with plethora of symptoms related to disorder of specific organ. There is no specific cure for DGBI and the therapy is mostly focused on alleviating the symptoms. One of the potential new therapies to alleviate the symptoms could be deep breathing training. Available data suggest that biofeedback assisted deep breathing pacing may lead to reduction of pain perception even visceral pain originating from gastrointestinal tract. Methods: This is a retrospective analysis of clinical data obtained from patients who were treated with deep breathing training for refractory case of disease of gut-brain interaction. The DGBI was diagnosed based on the ROME IV criteria. Before the training, the proper mechanism of deep abdominal breathing was thoroughly explained to the patients. Patients have also filled the STAI-X1, STAI-X2 questionaries to assess their anxiety levels. After initial office-based training, the patients were instructed to continue in home-based deep abdominal breathing for 3 to 5 times a week. The effect of the therapy was evaluated after one month. Results: Fifteen eligible patients were offered biofeedback assisted deep breathing training. Nine patients attended the check-up appointment after 4 weeks and are therefore considered in the analysis. Five patients experienced mild alleviation of the symptoms. Two patients experienced resolution of the symptoms and contrary, two patients didn’t report any change in symptoms. There were no statistically significant changes in the anxiety levels. Conclusion: The deep breathing training for symptom alleviation in disorders of gut-brain interaction seems to be a promising ad on therapy. This is based on published studies and our own experience. However more rigorous data are needed before more definite conclusion. Key words: biofeedback – deep breathing training – IBS – globus – dyspepsia