Hypnosis helps children with asthma

SYRACUSE, N.Y., Feb. 16 (UPI) -- Hypnosis may help children with asthma and other respiratory disorders, U.S. researchers said.

Dr. Ran Anbar of the State University of New York Upstate Medical University in Syracuse suggests proper use of hypnosis as an adjunct to conventional treatment could bring about physiological changes that help ease symptoms.

The study, published in Pediatric Asthma, Allergy & Immunology, found habit cough or unexplained sensations of difficulty breathing, as well as discomfort during medical procedures, was helped by hypnosis.

Hypnosis is also recommended, Anbar said, when a child has respiratory symptoms such as difficulty taking a breath, a disruptive cough, hyperventilation, noise on inspiration such as a gasp or squeak, and difficulty swallowing despite normal lung function.

Symptoms absent during sleep can be associated with a particular activity or location, or are linked to or triggered by an emotional response may be particularly responsive to hypnosis, Anbar said.