Respiratory Physiotherapy in hospitalized patients

Inpatient respiratory physiotherapy promotes early mobilization, which in turn helps prevent complications associated with prolonged immobility leading to faster recovery. For many years it has been an integral part of the treatments offered to hospitalized patients.

The range of patients who benefit from Respiratory Physiotherapy is not limited only to those hospitalized with respiratory problems (pneumonia, bronchopneumonia, etc.), but extends to all patients who will need to stay for a long time in the hospital, to patients with cardiac problems or cardiac surgeries, as well as in patients after a general surgery.

The immediate mobilization of the patient must be accompanied by the quick and correct activation of the lungs and of course with the retraining of the cough, which often pain, inactivity and lack of strength can inhibit it. Respiratory physiotherapy techniques are applied from the Intensive Care Unit to the simple hospitalization wards, while very often patients are trained in breathing exercises and positions so that they can perform them on their own.

Respiratory Physiotherapy Techniques

Breathing exercises: Techniques such as diaphragmatic breathing and pursed-lip breathing help patients optimize their breathing patterns and strengthen lung function. The breathing exercises continue with thoracic breathing and of course in the final stage the synchronization of diaphragmatic and thoracic breathing, in order to achieve the best results.

Thoracic Mobilization: This technique involves manual chest percussion and vibration to dislodge and mobilize respiratory secretions, helping to clear them.

Drainage of seats: Through specific positioning of the body, channel drainage facilitates the drainage of secretions from different parts of the lung, preventing complications such as atelectasis. The frequent change of positions and the specific positions you place the patient prevent the accumulation of secretions, especially in the lower parts of the lungs.

Breathing Practitioner: Exercising with breathing exercises encourages deep breathing and helps expand the various parts of the lung, promoting lung expansion and preventing lung collapse.

Inspiratory muscle training: This technique involves the use of the physical therapist’s hands, but also special devices to strengthen the inspiratory muscles, enhancing the efficiency of breathing.

The Role of Respiratory Physiotherapists

Respiratory physical therapists are vital members of the health care team. They conduct detailed assessments to identify each patient’s unique respiratory challenges and create personalized treatment plans. Physical therapists work closely with physicians, nurses, and all other health care providers to ensure comprehensive care for inpatients.

Benefits of Inpatient Respiratory Physiotherapy

The advantages of respiratory physical therapy for inpatients are manifold.

Some of these benefits include:

• Faster recovery: By improving lung function and respiratory muscle strength, inpatient respiratory physiotherapy contributes to faster recovery and shorter hospital stays.
• Reduced complications: Effective airway clearance and lung expansion techniques reduce the risk of respiratory infections and other immobility-related complications.
• Improved quality of life: Inpatient respiratory physiotherapy improves patients’ ability to breathe comfortably, improving their overall quality of life during hospitalization and beyond.
• Prevention of chronic respiratory problems: Early intervention and treatment through respiratory physical therapy can help prevent the development of chronic respiratory disease in vulnerable patients.

Respiratory physiotherapy is a fundamental component of holistic health care for hospitalized patients. By addressing respiratory challenges and promoting optimal lung function, it facilitates faster recovery and better overall well-being.

The expertise of respiratory physiotherapists and the application of various techniques they use play a vital role in improving respiratory health and paving the way for a smoother road to recovery for hospitalized patients.