What Is Pleural Effusion?
Pleural effusion is a medical condition where excess fluid accumulates in the pleural space around your lungs. This build-up can impair breathing by limiting the expansion of the lungs.
What are the symptoms of Pleural Effusion?
Symptoms that may be experienced with pleural effusion:
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain, often sharp and worse with deep breaths
- Cough
- Fever (if infection is present)
- Difficulty breathing
How Does Chest Physiotherapy Help People With Pleural Effusion?
Chest physiotherapy is a type of respiratory treatment that can help to clear mucus and improve breathing in people with Pleural Effusion. You can learn more about how chest physiotherapy works and a more detailed explanation of general benefits with chest physio.
For pleural effusion, chest physiotherapy can be helpful by implementing the following techniques:
- Diaphragmatic Breathing: Encourages deep breathing using the diaphragm to improve lung expansion
- Incentive Spirometry: A device to encourage deep breathing and lung expansion
- Chest Percussion and Vibration: Helps loosen and mobilise mucus
- Postural Drainage: Uses gravity to help drain mucus from different parts of the lungs
- Mobilisation Exercises: To improve posture and encourage movement in the client, enhancing overall lung function
Who Can Perform Chest Physiotherapy?
Chest physiotherapy can be performed by a qualified chest physiotherapist who has been trained in the techniques. Inspire Healthcare can help with NDIS Physiotherapists in Sydney or a Physiotherapists in Melbourne.
If you are having chest physiotherapy performed by a healthcare professional, they will typically follow these steps:
- Assess your breathing and mucus production.
- Position you in a way that will help to drain mucus from your lungs.
- Use percussion and vibration to loosen mucus.
- Instruct you on coughing exercises.
What Are The Risks Of Chest Physiotherapy?
The risks of chest physiotherapy are generally minor and include:
- Bruising
- Skin irritation
- Chest pain
- Nausea
It’s important to consult a qualified healthcare professional and avoid any major DIY physio treatments at home to minimise risk. It’s also important to be honest and transparent with your physiotherapist if you have any underlying health conditions so they can advise on the best type of treatments for you.
Booking a Physiotherapy Appointment
Inspire Healthcare are a multi-disciplinary professional healthcare agency, book an appointment with a mobile NDIS Physiotherapist in Sydney or a Physiotherapist in Melbourne.
