Üsküdar University Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Lecturer, NP Feneryolu Medical Center Physiotherapist Filiz Eyüboğlu shared important information about respiratory rehabilitation treatment, which is also applied to patients with complaints of shortness of breath and fatigue after Covid-19 infection.
Many patient groups with respiratory problems move less due to shortness of breath. Pointing out that moving less increases shortness of breath even more, experts state that with the respiratory rehabilitation program, it is tried to bring the health-related quality of life to the most appropriate level by preventing complaints arising from respiratory problems in patients. Experts say that patients with complaints of shortness of breath and fatigue after Covid-19 are also included in respiratory rehabilitation programs, and the demand for respiratory rehabilitation has increased during the pandemic process.
Üsküdar University Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Lecturer, NP Feneryolu Medical Center Physiotherapist Filiz Eyüboğlu shared important information about respiratory rehabilitation treatment, which is also applied to patients with complaints of shortness of breath and fatigue after Covid-19 infection.
Applied to chronic lung patients
Physiotherapist Lecturer. Lecturer Filiz Eyüboğlu defined respiratory rehabilitation treatment as follows:
"Today, pulmonary rehabilitation is a program applied to patients with chronic lung diseases that improves the functional level and independence in activities of daily living as well as increasing the effectiveness of standard medical treatment. We can say that it is a set of comprehensive practices that include approaches such as behavioral change and patient education, along with patient-specific exercise training. Respiratory rehabilitation is considered a standard component of chronic respiratory disease treatment. In addition, one of its goals is to ensure that the gains achieved are permanent."
Reducing shortness of breath is important
Eyüboğlu pointed out that especially long-term hospitalizations can cause muscle weakness with existing chronic diseases and said, "Most of the individuals hospitalized with a diagnosis of Covid-19 have additional diseases such as cardiovascular and diabetes. In order to prevent muscle weakness that may occur as a result of the bad side effects of the disease, shortness of breath and long-term immobility, patients may need to be included in a rehabilitation program in the early period and even during the intensive care period. After discharge, people may tend to move less, especially if there is ongoing shortness of breath and fatigue. In this process, it is of great importance that patients are encouraged to increase their physical activity. We do not recommend heavy exercises during this period. We try to maintain and increase functional capacity with individually tailored low or moderate intensity exercise programs. The aim here is to reduce shortness of breath, improve physical strength and enable the person to perform daily life activities independently. Again during this period, patients can be included in rehabilitation programs by using electronic media for patients with high risk of infection."
Covid-19 patients are being rehabilitated
Stating that arm, leg and respiratory muscles should be strengthened to reduce muscle weakness in patients, Eyüboğlu said, "Strengthening the arm and leg muscles also supports breathing, making it easier to cope with shortness of breath. It is recommended that people be admitted to a comprehensive rehabilitation program 6-8 weeks after discharge. People who do not have a hospitalization period but have complaints of shortness of breath and fatigue after Covid-19 are also included in respiratory rehabilitation programs. Methods of coping with shortness of breath and exercises should be prepared individually by physiotherapists who are experts in their field. " he said.
It can be successfully applied in these diseases
Eyüboğlu stated that the respiratory rehabilitation program can be successfully applied in asthma, bronchiectasis, interstitial lung diseases, obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS), cystic fibrosis, chest wall diseases, neuromuscular diseases, pre- and post-lung transplantation, lung cancer, obesity-related lung diseases, especially COPD, defined as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Less movement increases shortness of breath
Pointing out that most patients with respiratory problems move less due to shortness of breath, Eyüboğlu said, "Moving less increases shortness of breath and patients enter a vicious circle. Respiratory rehabilitation contributes to the prevention and reduction of complaints arising from respiratory problems in these patients, increasing exercise and functional capacity, coping with shortness of breath, and contributing to the independence of the person in daily life activities. It is aimed to optimize daily functions and health-related quality of life."
Demand increased during the Covid - 19 process
Pointing out that the demand for respiratory rehabilitation has increased during the Covid-19 process, Eyüboğlu said, "However, the increase in interest has brought a lot of information pollution, especially on social media. It should not be forgotten that the pandemic continues and people who are infected with the disease spend symptomatic or asymptomatic in the hospital or at home. Therefore, respiratory rehabilitation programs should be prepared specifically for the patient and the disease process by a specialist healthcare team, taking into account other accompanying diseases."