Are you having difficulty breathing due to chest congestion? Let's talk about Chest Physiotherapy!

Sometimes we feel like our chest is constricted and heavy when we cough, doesn't it? This is something that is often experienced by people with lung conditions, especially those with lung-related conditions. So today we are talking about a special physiotherapy treatment method that helps loosen the thick mucus stuck in the lungs and airways and helps them cough it up easily.

Simply put, what is Chest Physiotherapy?

Chest Physiotherapy (Chest PT) is a special treatment that helps loosen mucus in your chest and make it easier to breathe. This involves a trained health worker – often a respiratory therapist or physiotherapist – rhythmically clapping or thumping your chest and back. Think of it as a firm slap on the back, but not so painful. The shock from the tapping loosens the mucus that is stuck in your lungs. You can then cough it up easily.

In some cases, a family member or friend can be trained in how to perform this treatment and help you at home.

What conditions is this treatment used for?

In some medical conditions, our lungs produce a thicker, more sticky mucus than normal. It is very difficult to cough up this mucus and expel it. Chest Physiotherapy is very useful in such cases. Here are some of the main medical conditions for which doctors recommend this treatment:

• Cystic Fibrosis: This is a genetic disease that causes the body to produce very thick, sticky mucus, especially in the lungs and digestive system.
• COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease): This is a long-term lung disease. It is especially common among smokers. It also causes mucus buildup and difficulty breathing.
• Bronchiectasis: This is a condition in which the airways in the lungs become permanently widened and damaged, allowing mucus to easily accumulate and cause infections.
• Pneumonia: An infection caused by a germ entering the lungs. This also causes a buildup of mucus.
• Neuromuscular Disorders: Diseases that weaken the nerves and muscles can lead to a loss of the strength needed to cough, making it difficult to clear mucus from the lungs.
• Atelectasis: Complete or partial collapse of a portion of the lung.

Most often, this Chest PT treatment is performed as part of a pulmonary rehabilitation plan recommended by your doctor.

How does this Chest Physiotherapy work?

There are two main methods of this treatment. They are percussion and vibration. A trained doctor or therapist may use their hands for this, or they may use certain devices that vibrate the chest and back. Both of these methods are usually combined with special body positions (postural drainage) that help the mucus to flow more easily with gravity.

How should I prepare before this treatment?

Before starting this treatment, your doctor or therapist will give you the necessary advice. They may usually recommend things like:

• If your doctor has prescribed you an inhaler, especially a bronchodilator, you may be asked to use it 15-30 minutes before your treatment . This will help your airways open up a bit and make it easier for mucus to come out.
• Wait at least an hour and a half after eating before doing this treatment. Doing this on a full stomach increases the risk of vomiting.

What happens during treatment?

During treatment, the therapist helping you will follow these steps:

1. Get into a comfortable position: First, find a position that is comfortable for you and helps you drain mucus. This could be lying on your side, lying on your stomach, or sitting up. You can also use something like a pillow for comfort.

2. Tapping or vibration: Then, as mentioned earlier, your chest or back will be tapped (percussion) or vibrated (vibration). At this time, you will also be instructed on how to breathe in and out.

3. Removing mucus: Finally, the loosened mucus is said to be thoroughly coughed out.

You can also repeat these steps by shifting into different body positions to clear mucus from different parts of your lungs.

What are the benefits of Chest Physiotherapy?

By doing this treatment correctly, you can get many benefits, such as:

• Breathing becomes significantly easier .
• Reducing the number of times you need to be hospitalized frequently.
• Reduced lung infections and exacerbations.
• Improving the quality of life.
• Increased ability to walk, exercise, and perform daily tasks.

Are there any risks in this?

As with any treatment, there are some very rare risks involved in Chest Physiotherapy. However, these are very unlikely to occur when performed properly and under the supervision of a trained professional.

• An injury to the ribs, spine, or muscles.
• Difficulty breathing.
• Vomiting.
• Aspiration of mucus back into the airway.
• Decreased oxygen supply to body tissues (hypoxia).
• Low blood pressure (hypotension).
• Bleeding from the lungs (pulmonary hemorrhage).
• Increased pressure inside the skull (increased intracranial pressure).
• Sudden tightening of the airways (bronchospasm).
• Heart rate abnormalities (dysrhythmia).

When should you not do Chest Physiotherapy?

People with certain medical conditions may be at increased risk from this treatment. Therefore, if you have one of these conditions, you should definitely talk to your doctor before undergoing the treatment.

• A recent injury to the chest, back, or lungs (including a skin wound).
• If you have recently had a spinal anesthesia or epidural.
• If you have osteoporosis.
• If you have a bleeding condition (for example, if you cough up blood) or are at high risk of bleeding.
• Blood pressure related conditions.
• If you have chest pain.

How can this treatment be made easier and more comfortable?

This treatment should not cause any pain, but it can sometimes be a little uncomfortable. So keep these things in mind.

• Express your opinion: If you feel like the person helping you is tapping too hard, or not hard enough to loosen the mucus, don't be afraid to tell them.
• Safe areas: Never tap or shock below the ribs, such as the abdomen or lower back. This can damage internal organs such as the kidneys.
• Make it comfortable: Find the way that's most comfortable for you. Maybe it's wearing something you like, tying up your hair, or using your own pillow.
• Report changes: Always tell your doctor if there are any changes in your health before starting treatment.

For many people with lung disease, Chest Physiotherapy is a part of their daily health routine, like brushing their teeth. Watching a TV show, reading a book, or listening to a song can help make the treatment more comfortable. You know your body best. So, if you feel anything is bothering you, don't hesitate to tell us.