Balloon-Blowing Versus Deep Breathing Exercises for Dyspnea in Pediatric Congenital Heart Diseases: A Randomized Controlled Study

Abstract

Objective: To compare balloon-blowing and standard deep-breathing exercises for reducing dyspnea in children with congenital heart disease

Study Design: Multicenter, parallel randomized controlled study
Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted at the Bent Al-Huda Teaching Hospital, Mohammed AlMousawi Children’s Hospital and Nasiriyah Heart Hospital in Al-Naseria City, Iraq, from 15th March 2026 to 14th June 2026.

Methodology: Sixty-three children were equally allocated to balloon blowing (n=21), deep breathing (n=21), or control (n=21). Data were collected using a structured questionnaire, clinical assessment, and the Modified Borg Dyspnea Scale.

Results: Most participants were aged 3–5 years, with no significant age difference between groups (χ²=0.41, p=0.982). Sex distribution was comparable. Ventricular septal defects occurred in 28.6% of children in both the balloon-blowing and control groups. Baseline dyspnea scores did not differ significantly (χ²=0.18, p=0.914). At 30 minutes post-exercise, a significant difference in dyspnea was observed among the three groups (χ²=10.92, p<0.004).

Conclusion: Balloon blowing and deep breathing showed comparable effectiveness in reducing dyspnea, with no significant difference between the two techniques. Both may be incorporated into routine respiratory care for children with congenital heart disease.