Efficient results of physiotherapy rehabilitation in hydro pneumothorax

Vaishnavi Chawake, Pallavi R Bhakaney, Chaitanya A Kulkarni, Om C Wadhokar, Vaishnavi Yadav

Ravi Nair Physiotherapy College, Datta Meghe Institute of Medical Sciences, Wardha, Maharashtra, India

ABSTRACT

Hydro pneumothorax is a rare variant type of pneumothorax. It occurs when both free fluid and air are within the pleural space. The goal of treating a hydropneumothorax is to relieve the pressure on your lung, allowing it to re-expand .Treatment options may include observation, needle aspiration, chest tube insertion, non-surgical repair or surgery along with a very important role of physiotherapy. A 54-year male patient came to the hospital with complaints of breathlessness (MMRC grade II), dry cough, and high-grade fever for one month. The patient had a history of alcohol consumption and tobacco chewing for 10 years. Laboratory investigations showed a WBC count 18,600/ml. Complete blood count gave normal results. The arterial blood gases revealed PO2 as 69. Chest X-ray which showed fairly large opacities with the fluid level in right side. The costophrenic angle on the right side is obliterated. Multiple, small patchy opacities are also seen in the left lower zones. Along with these findings, there was a contralateral mediastinal shift. Physiotherapy intervention included patient education, breathing retraining, airway clearance techniques, positioning, walking program with supplemented oxygen and psychological support. Outcome measures have shown improvement in functional independence and performance of activities of daily living. Physiotherapy management showed efficient results in improving lung function, quality of life, inducing relaxation, and early return to pre-disease life in patient with hydro pneumothorax.

Keywords:

Hydropneumothorax, Pneumothorax, Physiotherapy, Rehabilitation.