Abstract
The present global pandemic of COVID-19 has brought the whole world to a standstill, causing morbidity, death, and changes in personal roles. The more common causes of morbidity and death in these patients include pneumonia and respiratory failure, which cause the patients to require artificial ventilation and other techniques that can improve respiratory function. One of these techniques is chest physiotherapy, and this has been shown to improve gas exchange, reverse pathological progression, and reduce or avoid the need for artificial ventilation when it is provided very early in other respiratory conditions. For patients with COVID-19, there is limited evidence on its effect, especially in the acute stage and in patients on ventilators. In contrast, in patients after discharge, chest physiotherapy in the form of respiratory muscle training, cough exercise, diaphragmatic training, stretching exercise, and home exercise have resulted in improved FEV1 (L), FVC (L), FEV1/FVC%, diffusing lung capacity for carbon monoxide (DLCO%), endurance, and quality of life, and a reduction in anxiety and depression symptoms. However, there are still controversies on whether chest physiotherapy can disperse aerosols and accelerate the rate of spread of the infection, especially since COVID-19 is highly contagious. While some authors believe it is possible, others believe the aerosol generated by chest physiotherapy is not within respirable range. Therefore, measures such as the use of surgical masks, tele-rehabilitation, and self-management tools can be used to limit cross-infection.
Highlights
Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19), more recently known as SARS-COV-2, is a coronavirus that belongs to the β-corona cluster that is spread to a large extent via droplets [1]
When one contracts the infection, the virus gets into the lungs and is received by angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), which is expressed in normal humans in types I and II alveolar cells [2]
Evidence is still lacking on its usefulness, aside from some professional recommendations based on anecdotal evidence
Summary
Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19), more recently known as SARS-COV-2, is a coronavirus that belongs to the β-corona cluster that is spread to a large extent via droplets [1]. When one contracts the infection, the virus gets into the lungs and is received by angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), which is expressed in normal humans in types I and II alveolar cells [2]. When the virus binds with ACE2, it damages the alveolar cells [1]. The alveolar cells function under normal circumstances to synthesize and secrete surfactant, carry out xenobiotic metabolism, help with transepithelial movement of water, and regenerate alveolar epithelium following lung injury [3]. These aforementioned functions help with normal lung functions. Damage to the alveolar cells may result in respiratory problems, other systemic manifestations, and eventually death [1, 4]. Clinical manifestations of COVID-19 disease include fever, cough, myalgia or fatigue, pneuomia, and complicated dyspnea [4]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
