Cardio-Respiratory Physiotherapy

At the end of the course, students should be able to: 1. describe the workings of the respiratory system and lung function. 2. describe the relationship between cardiovascular system and respiratory conditions. 3. explain the underlying principles in the physiotherapy management of respiratory conditions. 4. outline physiotherapy management for patients with respiratory conditions.

Overview of respiratory system, management of patients with respiratory conditions using problem oriented medical system. Subjective assessment-breathlessness, wheeze, cough, sputum. Objective assessment-auscultation, spirometry, chest shapes and movement, breathing pattern, chest radiography, blood gas analysis and implication for management. Principles of management and outcomes measure in respiratory care, physiotherapy techniques: active cycle of breathing, glossopharyngeal breathing, forced expiratory technique, manual hyperventilation, breathing control, airway clearance techniques and adjunct, non-invasive ventilation, basic life support. Management of specific respiratory conditions: COPD, asthma, bronchiectasis, pulmonary oedema, pulmonary tuberculosis, carcinomas, post-surgical conditions such as lobectomy, thoracotomy, pneumonectomy. Pulmonary rehabilitation and reconditioning, health education and promotion, smoking cessation, nutrition and other life style modifications. Paediatric respiratory care.