Asthma

Asthma is a condition affecting the airways of the lungs. Patients with asthma have airways that narrow (otherwise known as bronchoconstriction) in response to certain ‘triggers’. The effects are that the patient experiences difficulty in breathing. This difficulty in breathing can range from mild to very severe in some cases, if not adequately managed. The bronchoconstriction is reversible with appropriate medication, whilst the triggers that cause the constriction may be avoided with care and appropriate education. The airway narrowing is caused by inflammation and swelling of the airway lining, the tightening of the airway muscles and the production of excess mucus. This results in a reduced airflow in and out of the lungs.

At present there is no know cause or cure for asthma, however with adequate education and management, the symptoms can be successfully managed. A physiotherapist can greatly assist you providing a plentiful supply of successful techniques and strategies aimed at improving delivery of medications, avoidance of triggers and management of breathing during an asthma attack.

Pneumonia

Pneumonia is a severe lung condition which is characterised by infection caused by either a bacteria, virus or sometimes fungal origin. Often associated with fevers and general poor well being. This type of lung infection will require intensive physiotherapy intervention in order to remove unwanted secretion and ensure appropriate oxygen saturation levels remain within the body at levels satisfactory to sustain life.

A physiotherapist will provide hands-on secretion clearance to continuously remove the secretion until such time as the infection is removed via the correctly prescribed medications. Furthermore, they will carefully monitor severity and advise on most appropriate courses of action.  Failure to adequately manage a severe incidence of pneumonia can prove fatal in some cases.

A Rehabilitation At Home, physiotherapist can provide the essential treatment necessary to enable the successful management of this potentially life threatening condition.

Emphysema

Emphysema is characterised by severe shortness of breath, coughing, decreased exercise tolerance, increased respiratory infection and increased secretions. Typically most cases of Emphysema are caused by years of smoking. Effective management of this condition is imperative if you are going to slow its progression and reduce its dramatic and debilitating effects on lung function.

Physiotherapy intervention aims to reduce shortness of breath, reduce secretions, reduce the rate of chest infection and maximise functional capacity with limited oxygen saturation. Treatment strategies will not fix the already damaged lungs, rather they will ensure that the remaining healthy lung is clear and effective in its ability to deliver oxygen to the body.

Atelectasis

Atelectasis is a disease of the lungs that is characterised by the collapse of the balloon like structures known as alveoli. These alveoli are located at the very ends of the airways. It is at this site that the gas exchange occurs between the blood and the lungs. Any deficit or restriction in this process will result in reduced or absent gas exchange.

Patients experiencing Atelectasis will have impaired clearance of secretions which often elicit greater numbers and severity of respiratory infections such as pneumonia. Treatment focuses on maximising lung function by ensuring optimal secretion clearance and adequate ventilation.

Optimal lung function is obtained through implementation of effective lung secretion clearance techniques and careful respiratory monitoring. Physiotherapy will assist with the education of these techniques, monitoring of lung function and secretion levels, whilst active hands on intervention will increase the rate of secretion removal from the lungs. All intervention is targeted at decreasing lung damage via increased secretion clearance and subsequently avoiding respiratory infection scarring of the lung.

Bronchiectasis

Bronchiectasis is a disease of the lungs characterised by localised, irreversible dilation of the bronchi. This disease process leads to the destruction of the muscle and elastic tissue that lines the lungs. Bronchiectasis results in bronchi that are dilated, inflamed, and easily collapsible, subsequently resulting in the obstruction of air as it exits the lungs. Patients experiencing Brochiectasis will have impaired clearance of secretions which often elicit greater numbers and severity of respiratory infections such as pneumonia. Treatment focuses on maximising lung function by ensuring optimal secretion clearance and adequate ventilation. 

Optimal lung function is obtained through implementation of effective lung secretion clearance techniques and careful respiratory monitoring. Physiotherapy will assist with the education of these techniques, monitoring of lung function and secretion levels, whilst active hands on intervention will increase the rate of secretion removal from the lungs. All intervention is targeted at decreasing lung damage via increased secretion clearance and subsequently avoiding  respiratory infection scarring of the lung.

Cystic Fibrosis

Cystic Fibrosis is a genetic condition passed down through families that affects the quality of lung function. The condition is commonly known for its increased mucus production within the lung, whilst it also affects the pancreas and other body organs. Life quality and expectancy can be significantly, positively influenced through appropriate ongoing treatment, education and self management strategies. Physiotherapy intervention is typically regarded as a routine occurrence for most children experiencing this condition.

Optimal lung function is obtained through implementation of effective lung secretion clearance techniques and careful respiratory monitoring. Physiotherapy will assist with the education of these techniques, monitoring of lung function and secretion levels, whilst active hands on intervention will increase the rate of secretion removal from the lungs. All intervention aims at decreasing lung damage through increased secretion and subsequent respiratory infection scarring.

Chronic Bronchitis

Chronic bronchitis is a chronic inflammation of the medium sized airways of the lungs. This condition is often referred to as a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The inner lining of the bronchi are chronically inflamed and as a result there is an increase in secretions that require removal from the lungs. Failure to maintain adequate secretion clearance leads to greater numbers of respiratory infections and subsequent complications.

Optimal lung function is obtained through implementation of effective lung secretion clearance techniques and careful respiratory monitoring. Physiotherapy will assist with the education of these techniques, monitoring of lung function and secretion levels, whilst active hands on intervention will increase the rate of secretion removal from the lung. All intervention is targeted at decreasing lung damage via increased secretion clearance and subsequently avoiding respiratory infection scarring of the lung.

Chronic Obstructive Airways Disease

Chronic Obstructive Airways Disease is a collective term used to encompass a number of lung conditions that have the capacity to dramatically affect optimal lung function. Otherwise known as chronic constructive pulmonary disease this condition can include emphysema and chronic bronchitis as its main constituents. Although there are no present cures for COAD, there are certainly a variety of effective treatment and management strategies that can be provided by your physiotherapist in order to slow the progression of these progressive conditions.

Even those experiencing severe disease will significantly benefit from seeking intervention from a physiotherapy intervention program. The aim of all physiotherapy intervention is to decrease secretions, maximise lung function, reduce chest infection, increase exercise tolerance and functional capacity, whilst reducing shortness of breath.

Allow a Rehabilitation At Home physiotherapist to guide you to your optimal respiratory health today!