Respiratory physiotherapy: Newborns, babies and children.

When winter arrives, and cold moves on, respiratory problems appear. In newborns, babies and children, respiratory physiotherapy helps to improve both the development of the disease and the comfort of the child.

Respiratory physiotherapy in newborns and babies.

In the newborns, lungs are still immature. The full developmental period is reached between two and three years of age.

Therefore, they are more likely to have specific pneumonias caused by streptococcus and respiratory sicitial virus(“RSV”) during their first year of life.

Bronchitis and bronchiolitis are among the most common respiratory conditions at this stage of life.

In the case of premature babies, these may be more frequent. They may be accompanied by other complications (atelectasis, etc.).

ARIs (Acute Respiratory Infections), are usually isolated and remitted later, if there is no pre-existing cause for them.

Respiratory physiotherapy in children.

As the child grows, other types of pneumonias or respiratory infectionsmay arise.

However, as their immune and respiratory systems develop, they are less likely to get them.

There may be previous alterations that predispose the child to suffer from some breathing difficulty without being the lungs its origin. For example, in an ICP (Infant Cerebral Palsy) the origin is neurological. In this case, respiratory problems are secondary. This can happen in other diseases.

In many cases, they last a long period, or even become chronic.

How does a physiotherapist help you?

Respiratory Physiotherapy treatment must be immediate and must be carried out in parallel with medical treatment. In this way, the patient will achieve an optimum evolution. The benefits are:

• Immediate expectoration of accumulated mucus.
• Daily physiotherapeutic control.
• A better night’s rest allowing the patient to feel more comfortable.
• An increase in oxygenation as it favours the correct entry of air.
• Less fatigue due to increased oxygen in the blood.
• It favours the final recovery process.
• Avoids, in many occasions,hospital admission.
• A decrease in the consumption of medicines.

The methodologies implemented by the Physiotherapist are totally painless. They do not cause any discomfort to the child and allow him/her to continue with the daily activities previously recommended by the doctor.

Remember that respiratory physiotherapy is a complement to medical treatment, not a substitute for it.

At the Clínica Corps à l’aise in Alicante we can help you with your breathing problems, do not hesitate to contact us.