BACKGROUND

Burn is the worst tragedy among modern societies that individuals may experience. One of the most important problems of burns is pain; particularly at the time of treatment including burn dressings, debridement, surgical incisions and physiotherapy. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of rhythmic breathing on pain of dressing change in patients with burns.

METHODS

This semi-experimental clinical trial study with a control group was conducted on 60 eligible burn patients who were selected using convenient sampling method and allocated randomly in two groups of test and control (each n=30). Data collection tools included demographic data and pain observation questionnaires. The rhythmic breathing was individually and orally trained to the patients of test group in a room separated by dividers for a 20-minute session. The pain intensity in test and control groups before and after dressing was investigated for three consecutive days.

RESULTS

Friedman test results showed that pain intensity in both control and test groups had statistically significant differences. The pain intensity after rhythmic breathing reduced more in the test group, and this reduction was more significant during 3 days.

CONCLUSION

Rhythmic breathing is an effective method on pain reduction of dressing change in patients with burn injuries.