What Is Bronchitis?
Bronchitis is a condition that causes inflammation of the bronchi, the tubes that carry air to and from the lungs. It can be caused by a virus, bacteria, or irritants such as smoke or dust. Bronchitis is often accompanied by a cough, mucus production, and shortness of breath.
How Does Chest Physiotherapy Help People With Bronchitis?
Chest physiotherapy is a type of respiratory treatment that can help to clear mucus and improve breathing in people with bronchitis. It is often used in conjunction with other treatments, such as antibiotics or bronchodilators. You can learn more about how chest physiotherapy works and a more detailed explanation of general benefits with chest physio.
For Bronchitis, chest physiotherapy can be helpful by:
- Clearing mucus from the lungs, which can make it easier to breathe
- Reducing inflammation in the airways
- Improving lung function
- Speeding up recovery from bronchitis
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 Benefits Of Chest Physiotherapy For Bronchitis?
Chest physiotherapy can provide a number of benefits for people with bronchitis, including:
- Improved breathing
- Reduced mucus production
- Shorter recovery time
- Reduced risk of complications, such as pneumonia
- Improved quality of life
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.
Alternative Treatments For Bronchitis To Consider
You healthcare specialist or doctor may direct you to other types of treatments for your Bronchitis depending on your individual circumstances and severity. Some alternatives include:
- Antibiotics. If your bronchitis is caused by a bacterial infection, your doctor might prescribe antibiotics. Antibiotics can help to kill the bacteria and can help to improve your symptoms.
- Bronchodilators. Bronchodilators can help to open up your airways and can make it easier to breathe. They are often used to treat asthma, but they can also be used to treat bronchitis.
- Cough syrup. Cough syrup can help to suppress your cough and can help you to get some rest. However, it is important to note that cough syrup does not help to clear mucus from your lungs.
- Steam inhalation. Steam inhalation can help to loosen mucus and can make it easier to cough up. You can make a steam inhalation by filling a bowl with hot water and placing a towel over your head while you lean over the bowl.
- Breathing exercises. Breathing exercises can help to improve your lung function and can help to reduce your symptoms. There are a variety of breathing exercises that you can do. Your doctor or a respiratory therapist can teach you how to do these exercises.
