The Effects of Respiratory Physiotherapy in Pneumological Patients

Abstract

Introduction: Respiratory physiotherapy includes rehabilitation techniques such as percussions, vibrations, postural drainage, autogenic drainage, ETGOL, Huffing & Puffing. The treatment protocol is used in patients with pulmonary disease, intensive therapy, cardiopathy, neurological diseases and damage to the locomotor apparatus, which change the rhythm and the respiratory balance. Objective: The main objective of the study is to identify the effects of respiratory physiotherapy in patients with pneumological problems in enhancing vital capacity and improving the patient's overall condition. Methodology: The study is a prospective, experimental type, realised over a six-month period from January to June 2017 at the Vlora Regional Hospital and Fizio Life Clinic with 40 patients in the pneumology and pediatric ward. Treated diseases include bronchial asthma, bronchitis and pneumonia. The rehabilitation protocol used is the postural and autogenic drainage techniques 2 times a day for 20 minutes; and 30 minutes Huffing & Puffing for children. The measurement is used with spirometry for vital capacity and BORG scale for dispnea. Results: Of the patients studied, the most affected are children 50% of the cases, and the highest prevalence is in males with 60% of cases. After physiotherapy, respiratory frequency normalization, increased vital capacity, and reduction of hospital stay were observed. Conclusions: Postural and autogenic drainage regulate the respiratory cycle, improve ventilation, aspirate secretions, and normalize the general condition of the patient. Huffing & Puffing techniques are ideal in treating pediatric patients with pulmonary problems.

Keywords:respiratory physiotherapy, postural drainage, pneumology.