Chest physioterapy is a therapeutic specialty that aims to prevent and treat lung complications without adding sophisticated resources for his execution as its main role. Its goal is to optimize the pulmonary function to achieve appropriate gaseous exchange and to improve ventilation/perfusion ratio. To
this end airway clearance techniques are performed, these techniques are of special value during childhood, since this age group present higher quantities of secretions and very narrow conducting airways, both elements predispose to obstructions that must be handle if the case merits. Chest physioterapy also include others techniques as deep breathing, early movilizations, lung recruitment maneuvers with specially adapted devices. This paper set the stage of this pshysical therapy with emphasis in pediatric age, adding a global and specific description of the main techniques that the pediatritian should know.
Key words: airway clearance techniques, respiratory physiotherapy, prolonged slow expiration technique |
