What are paediatric respiratory conditions?

The nature of respiratory diseases in children would be completely different from that seen in the adult population. So, children require specialised treatment approach. Respiratory illness may fluctuate drastically, largely due to the age specific immature respiratory system, influencing the mechanics of breathing.

Role of physiotherapy in Respiratory conditions

Chest physiotherapy is widely used in paediatric patients with respiratory illnesses. Physiotherapy techniques should be adapted as per the child’s age, since there are changes in respiratory structure and function from birth to adulthood.
Many children may get sudden chest infections or pneumonia which would require long term physiotherapy. In such cases, family education is an integral part of the physiotherapy management, so that the parents can manage the child’s condition at home.

The main goal of physiotherapy is:

• To clear airways
• Respiratory re-training
• To strengthen respiratory muscle
• To correct posture and improve generalised stamina