Advanced collateral physiotherapeutic approach in pneumonia

Poulami A. Bhandakkar, Waqar M. Naqvi*, Sakshi P. Arora

MGM School of Physiotherapy Aurangabad, a constituent unit of MGMIHS, Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra, India

ABSTRACT

An acute inflammation associated with lung tissues, alveoli and neighbouring airways caused by streptococcus pneumoniae is referred to as pneumonia. One of the most commonly affecting health problem at all age groups in the world is pneumonia. Antibiotics are the main treatment plan for management of pneumonia, while other treatments are mainly used as supportive care. The purpose of this case report is to evaluate the effect of physiotherapy as an adjuvant for pneumonia management. The patient was a 50 year old male with complaints of dry cough, high grade fever which was associated with chills and breathlessness. He was then diagnosed with pneumonia. Medical management with antibiotics was started along with physiotherapy as an adjuvant. The aim of physiotherapy was to return the patient to his best possible functional recovery. After completion of physiotherapy the patient gained maximum re-expansion of the thorax, had no breathing difficulties, the lungs were clear of sputum and patient was functionally independent. This case report shows how physiotherapy can be used as an adjuvant to rehabilitate a patient diagnosed with pneumonia. This has been demonstrated by increasing the lung expansion, airway clearance and gaining functional independence

Keywords:

Pneumonia, Physiotherapy, Adjuvant, Collateral, Rehabilitation