Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

CHRONIC OBSTRUCTIVE PULMONARY DISEASE:

Editorial’s Correspondences and Author Detail:

RAVEENA KUMARI

Lecturer, University of Sialkot, Daska Road Sialkot,

Pakistan.

raveenarajput940@gmail.com

03357993866

Conflict of interest:

Author declared no conflict of interest

Funding Source:

None stated
 Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

CHRONIC OBSTRUCTIVE PULMONARY DISEASE:

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a common disease that affects the
bronchopulmonary system. It is associated with structural lung changes due to
chronic inflammation from prolonged exposure to noxious particles commonly
cigarette smoke. Chronic inflammation causes airway narrowing and decreased lung
recoil. The disease often presents with symptoms of cough, dyspnea, and sputum
production the progressive course of COPD is connected with the development of extra
pulmonary complications such as cardiovascular diseases, skeletal muscle dysfunction,
osteoporosis, cachexy, anxiety and depression.

The most common cause of COPD is tobacco smoking, with a smaller number of cases
due to factors such as air pollution and genetics. The diagnosis is based on poor airflow
as measured by lung function tests it typically occurs in people over the age of 40. Males
and females are affected equally commonly.

Chest physiotherapy is a group of physical techniques that improve lung function and
help breathe better. Chest PT expands the lungs, strengthens breathing muscles, and
loosens and improves drainage of thick lung secretions Airway clearance techniques
(ACTs) are only indicated for patients with COPD who have evidence of sputum.

Chest physiotherapy includes different intervention which is highly beneficial for

patients for their recovery. There are basic six different techniques for COPD
rehabilitation may include percussion (clapping), vibration, deep breathing, and huffing
or coughing as below.

The first technique is Chest percussion and vibration to help loosen lung secretions.
Some patients wear a special CPT vest hooked up to a machine. The machine makes
the vest vibrate at high frequency to break up the secretions. Second is to
Controlled coughing techniques to help break up lung secretions so caregiver can
suction them out. The third technique is deep breathing exercises to help expand
the lungs and draw more air into all areas of the lungs.
The fourth technique is Incentive spirometry to help improve lung function by
inhaling strongly using a special device. You may use it after surgery to re-expand
your lungs and prevent pneumonia. The fifth technique is Positioning and turning
from side to side to help improve lung expansion and drainage of secretions. This is
important for patients who are bedridden or hospitalized. The sixth technique
Postural drainage to help drain lung secretions.

Raveena Kumari