Respiratory physiotherapy can be used in adults and children in order to improve breathing for example in the event of chronic bronchitis, asthma … Zoom on techniques, indications and how is a session.
Definition: What is respiratory physiotherapy?
Respiratory physiotherapy is a technique based on the Realization of external maneuvers (Pressure on the thorax, vibration …) to improve breathing. It may increase the elimination of excess secretions in the airways (in case of chronic bronchitis or bronchiolitis for example). Respiratory physiotherapy is Made in adults and children.
Ventilation and drainage techniques called “controlled expiratory flow”
These manual techniques consist of Raise secretions to the proximal airways (mouth) : ventilation and drainage are the most used. They aim to obtain an inspiratory volume large enough to be able to generate, during the expiration, an effective expiratory rate promoting the mobilization of secretions. The technique by ventilation is, for example, used in case asthma or bronchitis Chronicles.
Vibration techniques (clapping)
These techniques are not almost more used for lack of convincing results in scientific studies carried out on the subject. The thoracic percussion like “clapping” allow to take off the bronchial secretions which prevent breathing properly. Also called “tap”, this technique is practiced by a professional who exercises percussion of more or less great intensity with the palm of the hands at the level of the trunk.
What are the indications of the respiratory physiotherapist?
Respiratory physiotherapy is used when the patient suffers from coughing, size, from difficulty in effort. For example in case of:
- mucviscidosis
- pneumothorax
- asthma
- COPD
- pulmonary emphysema
- respiratory failure
- pleurisy
- tuberculosis
- Bonchonctasis or dilation of the bronchi (DDB)
- neuromuscular disorders
- pneumonia
Respiratory physiotherapy and bronchiolitis
Long allowed in France to unclutter the bronchial tracks of infants with bronchiolitis, The respiratory physiotherapist is no longer recommended by health authorities since November 2019. In question, the lack of evidence in scientific literature In favor of a beneficial effect of this treatment, as explained by the High Authority for Health (HAS). The analysis of three major studies has shown that the length of hospitalization of affected infants was not reduced by the respiratory physiotherapist. In addition, the HAS stresses that conventional physiotherapy (postural, clapping) is responsible forundesirable significant while “THE soft acceleration techniques of expiratory flows are better tolerated“”. Experts have recognized that his interest could be discussed in children in the event of comorbidities for example if, in addition to bronchiolitis, he suffers from chronic respiratory pathology or neuromuscular pathology. Several physiotherapists’ unions wanted to recall in a press release that their role was not only confined to bronchial drainage in the event of bronchiolitis. “The auscultable physiotherapist, assesses and redirects the baby to the emergency room or the attending physician if necessary. He reassures and accompanies parents.” And underline that “At no time does the HAS say that should not be viewed a physiotherapist in the event of bronchiolitis “.
Respiratory physiotherapy sessions can take place in the hospital Or in the office physiotherapist. He examines the patient, questions him and consults his medical file if he has one. It then begins the manipulations (manual or using device or accessories) on the patient which is either Sitting, semi-assisted or elongated. He also provides advice to educate the patient in the daily experience of his illness. The duration of the session varies according to the patient as well as the frequency of consultations. They can be taken care of by social security and mutuals.
