Effect of deep breathing and postural drainage on respiratory infections in under-5 children in urban slums

Pneumonia and other respiratory infections are a leading cause of morbidity in children under five, especially in urban slum regions where vulnerability is increased by overcrowding, inadequate sanitation, and restricted access to healthcare. The current study sought to assess the impact of postural drainage and deep breathing techniques on respiratory illnesses, including pneumonia, in children aged ≥5 years. Purposive sampling was used to choose 60 children, 30 of whom were placed in the experimental group and 30 in the control group. A quasi-experimental pre-test and post-test control group design was used. A standardized symptom severity score scale, clinical evaluation checklist, and structured demographic questionnaire were used to gather data. In addition to standard medical care, the experimental group received postural drainage therapy and deep breathing exercises, while the control group just received standard medical care. The results showed that the experimental group's respiratory rate and respiratory symptom scores were statistically significantly lower than those of the control group (p