Hypnosis Boosts NIV Tolerance in Respiratory Failure

A New Approach: Hypnosis Improves NIV Tolerance in Acute Respiratory Failure Patients

Acute respiratory failure is a life-threatening condition requiring immediate intervention. Standard treatment often involves non-invasive ventilation (NIV) to improve oxygenation and lower carbon dioxide levels. However, many patients experience severe anxiety and discomfort from the tight-fitting mask, leading to poor compliance and the need for sedation or invasive ventilation.

A pilot study presented at the European Emergency Medicine Congress has shown that medical hypnosis significantly improves patient comfort, tolerance, and outcomes during NIV sessions. This non-pharmacological method could serve as a low-cost, drug-free adjunct in emergency respiratory care.

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Non-Drug Support: Hypnosis for Respiratory Failure (Study & Design)

The study, led by Dr. Tobi Hamza at the Mohammed V Military Teaching Hospital in Rabat, Morocco, included 20 patients with acute respiratory distress between December 2023 and May 2024.

• Control group (10 patients): Received standard NIV and anti-anxiety medication if needed.
• Hypnosis group (10 patients): Received a guided hypnosis session before and during NIV.

The hypnosis protocol involved three stages:

• Calming induction phase – voice guidance, breathing synchronization, and visual imagery.
• Deepening phase – reducing anxiety and dissociating from mask-related discomfort.
• Therapeutic suggestion phase – promoting safety, trust, and cooperation.

Researchers assessed tolerance using comfort scores, blood gas measurements (oxygen, carbon dioxide, pH), sedation requirements, and the need to switch to invasive ventilation.

Key Findings: Better Comfort, Less Sedation

Results showed a remarkable improvement in the hypnosis group:

• 80% of patients completed NIV without sedation, compared to 50% in the control group.
• Comfort scores were significantly higher (7.5 vs. 4.3 out of 10).
• Reduced agitation and shorter emergency department stays were observed.
• Greater reduction in blood carbon dioxide levels and improved pH balance after four hours.

Dr. Hamza noted, “Hypnosis offers a non-invasive, drug-free way to improve NIV tolerance, decrease patient distress, and potentially enhance clinical outcomes.”

While promising, the study’s small size and single-center design mean further large-scale research is needed to confirm these findings and assess long-term benefits.

Implications for Emergency Care

Hypnosis could transform respiratory care by improving adherence to NIV, reducing the need for sedation, and enhancing patient safety. Training emergency physicians and respiratory therapists in this technique may increase accessibility and standardize care for patients with acute respiratory failure.

Source:

European Society for Emergency Medicine