![]()
26-Dec-2020
COPD – Chronic obstructive lung Disease is a collection of
diseases which includes Chronic bronchitis & emphysema that
leaves you breathless and may even cause acute exacerbation due
to the presence of chronic obstruction. Physiotherapy along with medical management
of disease goes a long way to treat these patients.
Don’t be surprised to know that a well-planned
Pulmonary Rehab treatment also works for the prevention of Asthma & COPD
& to reduce the patient’s stay at hospital. Airflow obstruction occurs as a
result of narrowing of airways leaving the patient suffering because of
breathlessness.
Signs & Symptoms -
The vicious cycle of disease progression can be
observed easily.
- Persistent cough
- Breathlessness (Mainly
during activities)
- More prone to chest infections
- Tightness if chest
muscles
COPD is more prevalent to occur in chronic smokers
or in factory workers belonging to industries which expels lung irritants like
– air chemicals, air pollution, or dust for long interval of time. The long-term
inhalation of these substances leads to scarring followed by inflammation
inside the lung fields.
The genetic presence of disease is quite rare but
exists.
Criteria to suspect a patient suffering from COPD?
As per the researches a lot many tests are
available to diagnose COPD Like: Pulmonary function test or Lung function test.
There is another basic and affordable test for the
diagnosis- Spirometry, which helps to measure the amount that can be inspired,
holding capacity and the time to exhale the same. Even the progression of
disease can be easily observed with repeated testing. Post this, if the
findings support the suspect of COPD then only the patient is advised to
undergo more advanced testing.
Treatment
Dr. Abhinav Gupta (Director – Dept. of
Physiotherapy) says - We believe
in providing the best treatment and comprehensive care to our patients. The
scarring that has occurred in lungs can’t be reversed but with appropriate
treatment the progression of disease can be slowed down. Treatment of COPD
patient includes the combination of Medications and pulmonary rehabilitation
(By our team of physiotherapists).
- Medication tend to relax
your air pathway and reduce swelling and associated mucus production
Physiotherapy: Pulmonary rehabilitation –
A customized rehabilitation plays a crucial role in
treating a COPD patient. The common goals for treating a patient suffering
shortness of breath and persistent cough are -
- To improve the breathing efficiency
- Improving respiratory
muscle strength
- To remove excess
accumulated secretions
- To improve chest, neck
and shoulder flexibility
- To promote hurdle free
activities of daily life.
- To improve posture and
promote relaxation techniques.
Rehabilitation Plans
- Every patient with same
disease possesses somewhat different pattern to progression of disease and
that’s why we tend to make customized protocol giving isolated attention
to our each and every patient.
- Incorporation of
Mechanical Vibrator – (To support you clear the accumulated chest
secretions)
- Our expert
Physiotherapists apply combination of manual and mechanical techniques to
relieve your symptoms -
ü Manual
percussion
ü Inspiratory
muscle training associated with breathing exercises
ü Shaking
& Cupping
ü Vibrations
ü Spirometry
(Diagnostic as well as therapeutic)
ü Posture
correction
ü Chest
mobility & flexibility exercises
- Patient education about
disease and precautions
- Awareness about
triggering factors
- Relaxation techniques
while feeling short of breath
Is Pulmonary rehabilitation confined to COPD?
“No, the range of pulmonary rehabilitation is far
wider. Every patient having deteriorating respiratory strength, pulmonary
function or reduction in capacity to cough out or shortness of breath and the
acute as well as chronic cases of COPD can be benefitted with our comprehensive
pulmonary rehabilitation plan, Your each breath is something we are focusing
on” says Dr. Mahvish Sultana (HOD- Physiotherapy & rehabilitation)
Our expert team of Physiotherapists takes your
thorough assessment and then a customized rehabilitation plan is made to give
you best recovery and an active lifestyle as early as possible.