Physiotherapy after pneumonia. Physiotherapy for pneumonia: types and contraindications. UHF electromagnetic field

Pneumonia is an inflammatory process in the respiratory parts of the lungs, occurring as an independent disease or as a manifestation or complication of any disease. In pneumonia, the main route of infection into the lungs is bronchogenic. Initial inflammatory changes in the lungs during pneumonia are found mainly in the respiratory bronchioles due to the presence here of ampulla-shaped dilation of the bronchi, the absence of ciliated columnar epithelium and less developed muscle tissue. The infectious agent, spreading beyond the bronchioles, causes inflammatory changes in the lungs. When inflammation is limited around the bronchioles, focal pneumonia develops. When bacteria spread through the pores of the alveoli within one segment and blockage of the segmental bronchus with infected mucus, segmental pneumonia occurs, and with further spread within the lobe of the lung, lobar pneumonia occurs. A characteristic feature of pneumonia in children is the early involvement of regional lymph nodes in the pathological process, therefore one of the earliest symptoms of pneumonia is expansion of the roots of the lungs.

In the pathogenesis of pneumonia, the main role belongs to the influence of an infectious pathogen entering the lungs from the outside. The initial link in the development of pneumonia is the adhesion of microorganisms to the surface of the epithelial cells of the bronchial tree, which is significantly facilitated by the previous dysfunction of the ciliated epithelium and impaired mucociliary clearance. After adhesion, the next stage in the development of inflammation is the colonization of the microorganism in epithelial cells. Damage to the membrane of these cells promotes intense production of cytokines. Under the influence of cytokines, chemotaxis of macrophages, neutrophils and other effector cells taking part in the local inflammatory reaction occurs. In the development of subsequent stages of inflammation, invasion and intracellular persistence of microorganisms and their production of endo- and exotoxins play a significant role. These processes lead to inflammation of the alveoli and bronchioles. In the pathogenesis of pneumonia, a certain importance is attached to allergic and autoallergic reactions. Saprophytes and pathogenic microorganisms, becoming antigens, contribute to the production of antibodies, which are fixed primarily on the cells of the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract. Here an antigen-antibody reaction occurs, which leads to tissue damage and the development of an inflammatory process. In the presence of common antigenic determinants of microorganisms and lung tissue or when the lung tissue is damaged by viruses, microorganisms, toxins, leading to the manifestation of its antigenic properties, autoallergic processes develop.

Objectives of physiotherapy: elimination of inflammation, achieving faster resorption of the inflammatory focus, preventing the transition of an acute inflammatory process to a chronic one, improving the function of external respiration, especially bronchial conduction, lymph and blood circulation of the bronchopulmonary system, restoring impaired immune status, providing a hyposensitizing effect, training thermal adaptation mechanisms.

Contraindications for prescribing physiotherapeutic procedures: severe intoxication, body temperature above 38°, stage II-III heart failure, pulmonary hemorrhage and hemoptysis, thromboembolism, infarction-pneumonia, pneumothorax, suspicion of a neoplasm, the presence of other general contraindications for physiotherapy.

In the acute period it is indicated:

1. UHF therapy on the projection of the inflammatory focus using the transverse method, capacitor plate No. 2, power 30-40 W, duration of the procedure 5-10 minutes depending on age, for a course of 3-5 daily procedures or

2. Interstitial electrophoresis of an antibiotic 30 minutes - 1 hour after injection of an antibiotic, onto the transverse projection of the inflammatory focus, 7 daily procedures or

3. Inhalation of bronchodilators, 5-10-15 minutes daily or 2 times a day, for a course of 10-15 procedures or

4. UV projection of the inflammatory focus along the fields with 1/2 biodose, increasing every other day by ½ biodose, for a course of 5-6 daily procedures or

In the subacute period it is shown:

1. EVT for children under 5 years of age on the interscapular area or projection of the inflammatory focus 30-40 W 8-15 minutes per course 6-10 daily procedures or

2. ICI for children from 5 years of age on the interscapular area or projection of the inflammatory focus 2 - 3 intensity levels 10-12-15 minutes per course 6-10 daily procedures or

3. UHF from the Ranet device to the interscapular area 10 – 15 – 20 W 8 – 10 – 12 – 15 minutes depending on age, for a course of 6 – 7 daily procedures or

4. Electrophoresis of 2% CuSO4 solution or 2% ZnSO4 solution or 2% KI solution on the projection of the inflammatory focus using the transverse method for 8–10–12–15 minutes, depending on age, for a course of up to 10 daily procedures or

5. Children from 12 years of age can use inductophoresis: sequential use of inductothermy on the interscapular area and electrophoresis of drugs on the chest using the transverse method for a course of 6 - 8 daily procedures, the time of inductothermy is reduced to 6 - 8 - 10 minutes.

UHF and inductothermy procedures are not performed if the patient received a course of UHF therapy during the acute period.

6. SMT on the projection of the inflammatory focus transversely or bilaterally, non-rectified mode, type of work III frequency 50 Hz modulation depth 75 - 100% PP 2 - 3 sec. 5 – 7 minutes, type of work IV frequency 30 Hz modulation depth 50 – 75% PP 2 – 3 sec. 5 – 7 minutes per course of up to 10 daily procedures or

7. SMT-phoresis of 2% aminophylline solution or 2% MgSO4 solution for dry paroxysmal cough, 2% ZnSO4 solution on the projection of the inflammatory focus using the transverse or bilateral method, straight mode, type of work III frequency 50 Hz modulation depth 75% PP 2 - 3 sec . 5 – 7 minutes, type of work IV frequency 50 – 75 Hz modulation depth 75% PP 2 – 3 sec. 5 – 7 minutes per course of up to 10 daily procedures or

8. For children over 12 years old, DDT or DDT-phoresis of the above solutions on the projection of the inflammatory focus using the transverse technique, current DN 10 - 12 minutes 5 - 7 daily procedures or

If the patient has not received phototherapy procedures in the acute period, the following is indicated:

9. Fractionated UV irradiation of the anterior and posterior surfaces of the chest, two fields per day, starting with 1/2 biodose and increasing every other day by ½ biodose, subsequently displacing the perforated localizer by 1 cm, each field is irradiated 2 - 3 times daily or in a day or

10. Infrared irradiation of the interscapular area with a Minin lamp from a distance at which the patient feels slight warmth, for 8 – 10 – 12 – 15 minutes, depending on age, for a course of up to 5 daily procedures

11. In case of sluggish processes, if there are contraindications for the use of other methods, it is possible to prescribe low-frequency magnetic therapy from the device Polus - 2D, Polus - 1 on the posterolateral surfaces of the chest 10 - 12 - 15 minutes up to 10 daily procedures or

12. Laser therapy is used during the period of reducing symptoms of intoxication and lowering body temperature, the method of exposure is stable contact-mirror (if necessary, labile along the intercostal spaces) on the area of ​​​​projection of the inflammatory infiltrate in the lung tissue, identified x-ray, with mandatory compression on the underlying tissues and on the reflexogenic segments zones associated with the respiratory system - Th III – Th V

Wavelength 0.89 µm, emitting head LO1 (ALT "Matrix"), pulse repetition rate 600 Hz for schoolchildren, 80 Hz for preschool children, output power 2.5 - 3.5 W (up to 3 years) with an increase to 4 - 6 W (from 3 to 14 years) during the 4th, 5th and 6th procedures, followed by a decrease in output power to the original figures (7th and 8th procedures). Exposure time per zone is 1 - 2 minutes stable or 0.5 - 1 minute paravertebral labile depending on age, total procedure time 5 - 10 - 15 minutes per course of 7 - 8 daily procedures. Areas of influence: along the midclavicular (2), mid-axillary (3), mid-scapular (4) lines to the area of ​​inflammatory infiltration, paravertebrally symmetrically in the area Th II - Th VI (5.6); then to the area of ​​projection of the thymus gland (1).

During the resolution period shown:

1. Electrophoresis of 2% KJ solution or 2% ZnSO4 solution or ronidase or lidase or trypsin or ascorbic acid on the projection of the lesion using the transverse method 10 - 15 minutes for a course of up to 10 daily procedures or

2. To prevent adhesive processes, ultrasound is used on the projection of the lesion along the intercostal space (without voicing the area of ​​the heart) and paravertebrally in the area of ​​​​the projection of the roots of the lungs for 2 - 3 minutes per field, the technique is labile, the contact method, starting with a pulse mode of 2 ms, then increasing up to 10 ms, intensity 0.2 W/cm2, for paravertebral zones – 0.4 W/cm2, for a course of up to 10 daily procedures or

3. Fractionated UV irradiation of the anterior and posterior surfaces of the chest, two fields per day, starting with 1/2 biodose and increasing every other day by ½ biodose, subsequently displacing the perforated localizer by 1 cm, each field is irradiated 2 - 3 times daily or in a day or

4. Ultraviolet radiation of the chest over the fields with 1/2 biodose, increasing every other day by ½ biodose, for a course of 5-6 daily procedures or

– severe disease of the respiratory system, which requires complex treatment using different methods, including physiotherapy. They have a wide range of therapeutic effects, promote rapid recovery and reduce the risk of complications due to inflammatory processes in the lungs. What physiotherapeutic procedures are indicated for patients with pneumonia, and how to carry them out correctly?

Physiotherapy is a branch of medicine that studies the influence of natural and artificial environmental factors on human health. The means that are used to treat diseases in this case include heat, cold, laser, current of different frequencies, electromagnetic radiation and much more.

For pneumonia, physiotherapy has the following therapeutic effects:

• destroy pathogenic microorganisms;
• relieve inflammation and pain;
• stimulate the immune system;
• eliminate tissue swelling, improve sputum discharge;
• normalize the functioning of the lungs and bronchi;
• reduce the risk of complications.

Stimulation of certain areas during treatment helps to improve the functioning of the endocrine system, the release of hormones into the blood and rapid tissue regeneration.

IMPORTANT! Physiotherapy for pneumonia is prescribed exclusively according to the doctor’s indications, taking into account the clinical course of the disease, age and characteristics of the patient’s body.

Basic methods for this disease

For inflammatory processes in the lungs, doctors prescribe a number of procedures, which are aimed at improving the functioning of the respiratory system and the general condition of the patient. Physiotherapy is carried out after the body temperature has normalized, about a week after the onset of the disease, in some cases on the 15-20th day.

Inhalations

Inhalation is the main therapeutic procedure used in the treatment of pneumonia.

It is used to transport medications directly to the organs of the respiratory system, and is carried out using ultrasonic inhalers or nebulizers.

When performing inhalations, antibiotics (usually broad-spectrum) and mucolytic agents are used, which help to liquefy and remove sputum, as well as hormonal drugs that relieve tissue swelling.

Electrophoresis

The essence of the procedure is the complex effect of medications and electric current, under the influence of which medicinal substances break down into ions and penetrate the body faster. The procedure helps eliminate pain and inflammation, improve metabolism and blood supply to the respiratory system. Electrophoresis is performed in adults and children using antibiotics, heparin, potassium iodide, calcium chloride and other drugs.

UHF therapy

Ultrahigh frequency therapy is considered one of the most effective methods of treating pneumonia, and is often used in children with reduced immunity. The sessions are carried out as follows: special plates with a diameter of 12-15 cm are applied to the patient’s chest so that they are located above the affected area of ​​the lungs, after which the tissue is exposed to radiation with a power of 13-15 W. UHF procedures reduce the fluid content in the alveoli, limit the inflammatory process, preventing it from spreading to healthy cells, destroy bacteria and improve blood microcirculation in the affected organ.

IMPORTANT! Physiotherapeutic procedures should be carried out in combination with therapy and other methods of conservative treatment.

Ultraviolet irradiation

Ultraviolet therapy has an anti-inflammatory effect, activates blood circulation, resolves infiltrates and helps improve the functioning of the respiratory organs.

It is especially effective in the subacute stage of the disease and in chronic pneumonia.

The patient's chest is irradiated from the front and back through a special perforated stabilizer, thereby achieving the necessary therapeutic effect.

Thermal treatments

The advantage of thermal procedures in the treatment of pneumonia is that they can be performed not only in a hospital, but also at home. The most common, time-tested means for warming up the respiratory system are: mustard plasters and jars. They dilute mucus well, promote its removal from the lungs, and also improve blood circulation and metabolism in tissues. In addition to cupping and mustard plasters, applications of paraffin, mud and ozokerite to the chest are effective in treating pneumonia.

Contraindications and side effects

Like any other treatment method, physiotherapy has a number of contraindications and side effects. Physiotherapeutic procedures are prohibited in the following cases:

• acute phase of the disease, accompanied by high fever, exhaustion and others;
• malignant neoplasms;
• cardiovascular pathologies in the stage of decompensation;
• disorders of the nervous system;
• purulent-septic processes in the body;
• pathologies of hematopoietic function;
• presence of open bleeding.

Physiotherapeutic procedures practically do not cause side effects, but in some cases an exacerbation of the patient’s condition is possible - an increase in body temperature and an increase in the symptoms of the disease.

IMPORTANT! If side effects develop, physiotherapeutic procedures must be stopped until the acute signs of the disease completely disappear.

During the recovery period

During the recovery stage, they promote rapid tissue regeneration, prevent the development of complications and improve the general condition of the respiratory system.

IMPORTANT! When performing a massage or performing physical therapy exercises, it is important to monitor the patient’s well-being - if certain movements cause serious discomfort, it is necessary to reconsider the treatment regimen and tactics.

Other physiotherapy procedures

In addition to inhalations, electrophoresis, UHF therapy and other procedures, patients diagnosed with pneumonia can undergo the following treatment methods:

• Magnetotherapy, which provides an anti-inflammatory and bacteriostatic effect through the action of an electromagnetic field on the affected tissue;
• Wave treatment involves the use of decimeter waves with different characteristics to eliminate infiltrates in the lungs (the method can be used immediately after stabilizing the patient’s condition);
• Bioptron- an innovative method of treatment, which consists in influencing the source of inflammation with special devices that emit polarized light - the procedure improves metabolism and circulatory processes, due to which the pathological process is quickly stopped.

Useful video

Read more about the treatment of pneumonia and additional procedures in the video below:

Physiotherapy for pneumonia (acute, prolonged, chronic). In the complex treatment of acute pneumonia, electromagnetic fields of ultra-high, ultra-high, extremely high and high frequencies, alternating low-frequency magnetic fields, ultraviolet irradiation, aerosols, electroaerosol therapy, applications of paraffin, ozokerite, and therapeutic mud are most widely used.

Contraindications: severe intoxication, body temperature above 38°, stage II-III heart failure, pulmonary hemorrhage and hemoptysis, thromboembolism, infarction-pneumonia, pneumothorax, suspicion of a neoplasm, the presence of other general contraindications for physiotherapy.

In the first days of the disease, exposure to a UHF electric field on the chest is prescribed in continuous (power 40-100 W) or pulsed (4.5-6 W) modes. Inhalations of antibiotics, phytoncides, bronchodilators, alkaline solutions, herbal decoctions with an expectorant effect, erythemal ultraviolet irradiation of the chest (usually in separate fields) according to the affected lobe of the lung, one field daily are also recommended. Irradiation intensity from 2 to 4 biodoses; 4-5 irradiations are prescribed per course.

During the period of resolution of the process and resorption of the inflammatory focus, microwave therapy is prescribed to the area of ​​the lesion or the lower lobes of the lungs. Inductothermy is carried out according to the same principle, using low-thermal and thermal doses, mainly for central and hilar pneumonia (in the absence of coronary heart disease and hypertension), as well as microwave therapy or UHF therapy (especially in pulsed mode). During the same period of illness, magnetotherapy is carried out using a low-frequency (50 Hz) magnetic field in continuous or intermittent modes, which has a beneficial effect on the functions of the cardiovascular system, determining the advantage of this method in the treatment of patients with concomitant cardiovascular pathology. Contraindications for magnetic therapy are severe hypotension, hemoptysis, and diseases accompanied by a tendency to bleed. To improve the resorption of the inflammatory focus and eliminate bronchospasm, pain, and difficult sputum discharge, electrophoresis of calcium, magnesium, heparin, aminophylline, aloe extract, ascorbic acid, and lysozyme is used. In this case, one electrode (100-150 cm2) is placed in the interscapular region, the second - taking into account the localization of the source of inflammation. A good effect (including at the stage of infiltration) is achieved when used against the background of pharmacotherapy (antibiotics, etc.), galvanization of the chest (20-40 min), which is carried out by drip intravenous administration after 1/2 - 2/3 of the solution volume, and for intramuscular injection - 1-11/2 hours after injection. This increases the concentration of the drug in the inflammatory focus. During the period of resolution of the process and resorption of the inflammatory focus, aerosol therapy with expectorants, mucolytics, and restorative drugs is used, as well as heat therapy - applications of ozokerite, paraffin, silt and peat mud. On the 2-3rd week. You can prescribe climatotherapeutic procedures (daytime stay on the veranda, air baths). All PHYSIOTHERAPY methods are combined with exercise therapy and massage.

In the treatment of prolonged pneumonia or residual effects of acute pneumonia, hardening methods (water rubdowns, douches, showers), climatotherapy (in a sanatorium or rehabilitation department), general UV irradiation, aerosol therapy with expectorants, mucolytic and restorative drugs, as well as sodium chloride , turpentine, “dry” carbon dioxide baths using generally accepted methods.

The principles of treatment of exacerbation of chronic pneumonia are the same as the treatment of acute pneumonia. In the remission stage, sanatorium-resort treatment is widely used: climatotherapy, heliotherapy, thalassotherapy, as well as gymnastics and swimming in the pool, various methods of hydro- and balneotherapy.

Ultra-high-frequency therapy is the use for therapeutic purposes of influencing certain areas of the body with a continuous or pulsed electric field of ultra-high frequency (UHF).

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Physiotherapy for pneumonia

Physiotherapeutic procedures are a method of treatment that involves the use of physical environmental factors. The effectiveness of physiotherapeutic procedures has been proven in the treatment of most diseases. Physiotherapy helps relieve swelling, helps stop the inflammatory process, strengthens and improves the immune system, and restores respiratory function in case of pneumonia.

At the Yusupov Hospital, the patient can receive comprehensive treatment for the disease, including antibiotic therapy, physiotherapeutic procedures, massages and others.

Types of physiotherapy for pneumonia

Types of physiotherapy used in the treatment of pneumonia:

electrophoresis. Using the procedure, the drug is administered through the skin. The action of the current has an irritating effect, improves blood circulation, and enhances metabolic processes. For pneumonia, the drug is administered using electrophoresis in the desired location of the chest, which facilitates the treatment of the disease. To carry out electrophoresis, the following are used: novocaine, heparin, lidase, aminophylline and other drugs;

UHF. The process of heating tissues using an ultra-high frequency electromagnetic field. The process can take place with continuous or pulsed current. It helps well during acute pneumonia after the condition has stabilized and the body temperature has decreased. Tissue swelling is reduced, sputum secretion is reduced, UHF negatively affects the proliferation of microorganisms;

inhalation. Vapors containing drugs, ultrasonic exposure allows you to penetrate into the most distant parts of the patient’s respiratory system. Inhalation improves sputum discharge, relieves bronchospasm;

magnetotherapy. Various methods of influencing body tissues using low or high frequency magnetic fields;

wave treatment. Centimeter-wave, decimeter-wave, and ultra-high-frequency wave therapy are prescribed. This therapy is carried out in the complex treatment of pneumonia and other inflammatory processes;

IR irradiation. Prescribed for severe congestion. Infrared irradiation helps improve blood circulation and stimulates phagocytosis;

therapeutic chest massage. Massage is prescribed in combination with therapeutic treatment and procedures. Therapeutic massage helps restore the elasticity of organ tissue, improves blood circulation, and relieves spasms;

inductothermy. Exposure of the affected area of ​​the body to high-frequency magnetic radiation. Improves lymph circulation, metabolism, relieves bronchial spasms.

breathing and therapeutic exercises. With the help of gymnastics, doctors achieve increased immunity, fight weakness, cough, and improve respiratory function.

Resorption therapy for pneumonia

During pneumonia, lung tissue is damaged, a cough with sputum develops, and a high temperature rises. In addition to antibacterial drugs, vitamins, and immunity-boosting agents, the doctor prescribes physiotherapy and resorption therapy. Resorption therapy includes UHF (ultra-high frequency electromagnetic current), electrophoresis, physical therapy, chest massage and breathing exercises. Resorption therapy helps clear the bronchi from mucus, improves respiratory function, enhances metabolic processes and blood circulation in the lungs and stops the inflammatory process.

Physiotherapy for pneumonia: indications and contraindications

Physiotherapy for pneumonia has indications and contraindications. Physiotherapy is not performed for the following conditions:

high body temperature;

acute phase of the disease;

coma or unconsciousness;

cancer;

exhaustion of the body;

presence of a pacemaker;

decompensated heart disease;

epilepsy and other mental disorders in the acute phase;

diabetes mellitus (prescribed with caution).

Indications for the use of physiotherapy include a large number of diseases:

bronchitis, pneumonia, bronchial asthma, ARVI, influenza;

neuroses, depression, fatigue, weakness;

respiratory failure;

ENT diseases;

urological diseases;

gastrointestinal diseases;

gynecological diseases;

hormonal and endocrine pathologies;

diseases of the musculoskeletal system;

other.

The therapy department of the Yusupov Hospital accepts patients with respiratory diseases; for patients with severe disease, inpatient care and round-the-clock supervision by medical personnel are provided. You can make an appointment by phone.

Treatment of pneumonia in an adult: physiotherapy

Pneumonia is an inflammatory process of an infectious nature localized in the lower respiratory tract. Experts distinguish 4 types of this pathology: non-hospital (community-acquired), hospital-acquired (nosocomial), aspiration and pneumonia in persons with severe defects in the immune system. The most common is the first type - this is what most people mean when they talk about pneumonia, and specifically about community-acquired pneumonia - you will learn about the causes, symptoms, diagnostic features and principles of its treatment, including methods of physiotherapy, from our article.

Causes and mechanism of development of pneumonia

The main causative agents of community-acquired pneumonia are bacteria (streptococcus, Haemophilus influenzae, moraxella, mycoplasma, legionella, chlamydia and others) and viruses (especially influenza).

The main route of infection in this pathology is microaspiration. The fact is that in the human oral cavity and pharynx there are always some opportunistic and pathogenic microorganisms. In more than half of people, the phenomenon of microaspiration occurs during sleep (that is, a small amount of oropharyngeal contents enters the respiratory tract). The protective mechanisms of the trachea and bronchi prevent infection from spreading from the upper respiratory tract to the lower. In the case when these mechanisms weaken or the number of pathogenic microorganisms in the oral cavity and pharynx is very high, favorable conditions arise for the development of pneumonia.

Surely the reader is wondering why one person suffers from pneumonia repeatedly, while another never encounters this disease in his life? The fact is that there are a number of risk factors that increase the likelihood of developing pneumonia. The more such factors affect the same person, the higher the risk that he will get sick. Conversely, if you cannot attribute any of the factors to yourself, your risk of developing the disease is minimal.

Risk factors are:

children (especially infants), elderly and senile age;

bad habits (smoking, regular drinking, drug addiction);

chronic somatic pathology, especially its advanced stages;

ARVI;

regular contact with animals and birds;

congenital and acquired (HIV/AIDS, taking hormonal drugs, chemotherapy) immunodeficiencies;

unfavorable environmental conditions;

hypothermia.

The symptoms of this disease are varied and directly depend on its causative agent, risk factors and the timeliness and adequacy of treatment.

The main symptoms of pneumonia are:

symptoms of intoxication (fever to 38 degrees and above, chills, general weakness, fatigue, irritability, headache, dizziness, deterioration or complete lack of appetite, and others);

cough (can be dry or with sputum production);

hemoptysis;

chest pain not associated with movement, associated with coughing or breathing.

The disease begins acutely and requires urgent treatment and, in some cases, hospitalization.

If left untreated, the following complications of pneumonia may develop:

pleurisy;

empyema (accumulation of pus) of the pleura;

abscess or gangrene of the lung;

damage to the mediastinal organs – mediastinitis;

damage to the pericardium - pericarditis, myocardium - myocarditis, endocardium - endocarditis;

spread of infection to the meninges – meningitis;

toxic pulmonary edema;

acute respiratory failure;

infectious-toxic shock;

acute cor pulmonale.

Diagnostic principles

The doctor will suspect pneumonia based on complaints, medical history and the results of an objective examination of the patient. However, at this stage it is impossible to speak with certainty about this disease. Chest x-ray will help confirm the diagnosis - this is the most important method in diagnosing pneumonia. Without this study, it is impossible to be completely sure of the diagnosis.

Auxiliary diagnostic methods are:

a general blood test (it will determine signs of inflammation - an increase in the level of leukocytes, a shift in the leukocyte formula to the left (if pneumonia is of a bacterial nature), an increase in ESR);

microbiological examination of sputum (examination of it under a microscope, inoculation on a nutrient medium to determine the sensitivity of the pathogen to antibacterial drugs);

determination of specific antibodies and antigens in blood serum (prescribed in some cases).

Treatment should begin immediately after diagnosis and be carried out either on an outpatient basis or in a hospital, depending on the patient’s condition.

The main therapeutic direction is antibiotic therapy. Broad-spectrum antibiotics are used or those to which bacteria isolated from the patient’s biological material are sensitive. Depending on the severity of the disease, drugs can be used in the form of tablets or by injection, and in especially severe cases - infusions (droppers). Also, the patient may be prescribed 2 or even 3 antibiotics at once.

The second direction of treatment is the removal of metabolic products of microorganisms - toxins - from the patient’s body. To do this, he is prescribed infusions of solutions - glucose, saline, rheopolyglucin and others.

To reduce the inflammatory process, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAIDs - diclofenac, meloxicam and others - can be used. They are not prescribed immediately, but after the body temperature drops to normal values.

Various other symptomatic drugs are also used - mucolytics (drugs that thin sputum), expectorants, vitamins and others.

Physiotherapy for pneumonia

Treatment with physical factors is an indispensable component of the complex treatment of this pathology, as it promotes the discharge of sputum, reduces the inflammatory process and speedy restoration of lung tissue.

The first place in physiotherapy for pneumonia belongs to inhalations. In this way, solutions of antibiotics can first be introduced into the patient’s body, and subsequently drugs that dilute sputum.

The second most important is electrophoresis of drugs needed by the patient, in particular NSAIDs.

Physiotherapy methods such as decimeter-wave, centimeter-wave and ultra-high-frequency therapy on the chest area can also be used. These procedures are included in the complex treatment of pneumonia only when the doctor has firm confidence that the patient has no complications.

Among the methods of light therapy, laser treatment (magnetic laser therapy and laser intravenous blood irradiation) has proven itself more than others.

Hydrotherapy procedures are also widely used.

Ultrasound therapy will help consolidate the anti-inflammatory effect of drugs and prevent the development of relapse of the inflammatory process.

All of the above procedures are carried out, as a rule, in a hospital setting and are prescribed when the acute symptoms of the disease have already been relieved, that is, in its subacute stage.

Both in an inpatient and outpatient setting during the recovery stage, many patients can be prescribed a physical therapy technique such as electrosleep. It will help restore the balance of the nervous system and improve the psychological state of the patient. Also, the Azor-IK apparatus is sometimes used for this purpose.

After the patient is discharged from the hospital, he is shown information-wave exposure - the same Azor-IR device. Procedures are performed on the area of ​​the middle third of the sternum, the interscapular area, the area of ​​projection onto the chest of the source of pneumonia; Both contact and stable techniques are used.

The second effective method of physical treatment during the period of convalescence is the use of a Frolov breathing simulator. It is recommended to carry out the procedures daily, 60 minutes after dinner. The duration of treatment ranges from 7 to 30 days. Patients suffering from chronic pulmonary pathology are recommended to have such an inhaler as their personal property.

Protracted pneumonia

Such pneumonia occurs, as a rule, when a patient uses the “wrong” antibiotic – the one to which the causative agent of his disease is not sensitive enough. Other causes of prolonged pneumonia are:

old age of the patient;

bad habits;

severe concomitant diseases;

bronchiectasis;

diseases accompanied by partial blockage of the respiratory tract (bronchial stenosis, adenoma, cancer and others);

cystic fibrosis;

immunodeficiencies;

lung abscess;

activation of a tuberculosis infection that was previously in a latent state in the patient’s body;

recurrent microaspiration (what it is is described at the beginning of the article).

Starting from 15-20 days of the disease, the following is prescribed:

low-intensity magnetic therapy (increases immunity; use the Polimag-01 device);

heparin electrophoresis on the area of ​​projection of the focus of pneumonia on the chest;

inductothermy on the area of ​​projection of the focus of pneumonia on the chest;

UV radiation of the chest;

chest massage, including vibration techniques (improves sputum discharge);

hypoxic therapy.

For patients who have had pneumonia, sanatorium-resort treatment is indicated. Local sanatoriums and climatic resorts with a warm, dry (southern coast of Crimea), mountain (Kyrgyzstan, Caucasus) climate are recommended. In the sanatorium, the patient receives therapeutic nutrition, herbal medicine, massage, various physiotherapy procedures (transverse galvanization with direct electric current, procedures using pulsed currents, mercury-quartz baths, laser therapy, paraffin applications and ozokerite applications to the area of ​​the affected part of the lung), exercise therapy. One of the mandatory components of rehabilitation is the help of a psychologist.

In concluding the article, we would like to emphasize that pneumonia is a serious disease, which in some cases leads to complications and even death. Treatment should begin immediately after confirmation of the diagnosis, be carried out under the supervision of a doctor on an outpatient or inpatient basis (depending on the severity of the disease) and be comprehensive, including antibiotic therapy, detoxification therapy, anti-inflammatory and other symptomatic agents. One of the most important components of treatment is physical therapy.

Separately, we note that in no case should you treat pneumonia on your own, but you must strictly follow the doctor’s recommendations - only in this case will recovery occur as quickly as possible.

Program “Everyday Life”, story about signs of pneumonia:

Health-saving channel, story on the topic “Treatment of pneumonia at home and in the hospital”:

Physiotherapy for pneumonia in children

Carrying out physical therapy for pneumonia

Pneumonia is considered a very complex disease. Proper treatment, for example, physical therapy for pneumonia, quickly gets patients back on their feet and helps eliminate the disease without any serious consequences. But first you need to understand what pneumonia is and how physical therapy can help fight it.

Pneumonia and general information about it

Pneumonia is an infectious disease that spreads in the respiratory tract. This disease is otherwise called pneumonia. This often happens due to a weakened immune system and untreated flu or colds. The causative agent is most often streptococcus, which is found in the lungs. This list can be supplemented with pathogens such as enterobacteria and staphylococcus. Most often, streptococcus becomes fatal to humans. It is found on its own in the respiratory tract and on the skin and does not bother a person with a good immune system. But as soon as a person becomes hypothermic, he develops a disease such as pneumonia.

The first sign of pneumonia is a scratchy or dry cough. Bacteria appear and multiply in the so-called respiratory tree. They begin to destroy the body's cells, and in response to this, the body tries to quickly get rid of the dead substances through the respiratory tract. So, the first signs appear. Then the immune system enters the fight, the cough no longer becomes dry, but moist with phlegm in the bronchi. A common cold lasts no more than 7 days, therefore, if a person cannot recover for more than a week, then this is a symptom of pneumonia. As for the temperature, it can be very high (38-40° C). Sometimes it does not fall below 37 and does not become more than 37.5 ° C. If the patient is not helped by antipyretics, then this is also a sign of the disease. It's very painful to take a breath. Shortness of breath and pale skin should also be noted.

How does pneumonia usually occur?

Pneumonia has three stages:

Often a person can be cured in 3-4 weeks. It depends on the lesion itself and the state of the person’s immune system.

the patient's skin is red;

heat;

severe shortness of breath;

When the patient takes a breath, he feels pain in the chest.

This stage lasts two days. An inflammatory process occurs in the bronchi. Liquid accumulates in them, which prevents a person from breathing normally and saturating the body with oxygen. Hence the redness of the skin.

In the second stage (hepatization or gray hepatization stage), fluid is released from small blood vessels and enters the tissues. Leukocytes begin to attack pneumonia, the alveoli fill with fluid and cannot fully supply the body with oxygen. This determines the severity of the disease itself. The more tissue in the body is affected, the more difficult it will be for a person to breathe.

This stage lasts from 5 to 10 days. At this stage, heart failure may develop due to the fact that the person does not have enough air. This applies especially to older people who have heart disease. Because of this, there may be cyanosis not only of the lips, but also of the abdomen and upper limbs.

At the last stage, the inflammatory fluid resolves, and the pathological symptoms of the disease disappear.

The alveoli are gradually released, air begins to circulate normally, and shortness of breath disappears. The swelling of the airways may continue for a very long time, so the patient may still feel chest pain.

Treatment of pneumonia and physiotherapy

Nowadays, medicine has achieved enormous success: antibiotics have been invented, doctors can perform various operations, the success of which was not even talked about 10 years ago. New ways to treat acute and chronic diseases have emerged. Physiotherapy is a branch of medicine that aims to study the use of physical environmental factors. Each specialist sends his patients, adults and children, for physiotherapy. This helps speed up the healing process and reduces the risk of further complications. Pneumonia is one of those diseases for which it is necessary to undergo a course of physical therapy.

The doctor prescribes physiotherapy only for therapeutic purposes, as they have an anti-inflammatory effect, relieve swelling, and stimulate the immune system to protect the body.

There is a whole list of all the procedures that are used for a disease such as pneumonia:

Ultrasonic aerosol inhalation. Antibiotics, mucolytics, and heparin are involved. This procedure is performed either using a special ultrasonic inhaler or a nebulizer. As for antibiotics, they are broad spectrum (ceftriaxone, penicillin, and so on). When prescribing such a procedure, the doctor must take into account the individual characteristics of each patient and be aware of possible allergic reactions. When using a mucolytic, heparin and hormones, the sputum thins out and is better expectorated. This procedure lasts 10-15 minutes. There should be 12 such procedures in total.

Electrophoresis with antibiotics, various drugs that help with expectoration, and heparin. When treating pneumonia, the electrodes are placed transversely, the current strength is 8 mA. One session lasts up to 20 minutes; 7 procedures must be completed over 2 weeks.

Decimeter wave treatment of the lungs. It can be used almost immediately after the fever has passed. This procedure affects a person due to its electromagnetic field, the power of which ranges from 35-45 W. This procedure lasts 5 minutes. This procedure is prescribed for a week and is performed every day.

Pulsed UHF therapy. Prescribed for children who have very weak immunity. Special condenser plates, the size of which is 12-15 cm, are placed transversely on the child’s chest. The power these plates produce is no more than 13-15 W, and the duration of the session is 10 minutes. Must be performed every day for 10 days.

Magnetophoresis using antibacterial drugs into the respiratory system. Two inductors are applied to the chest above and below the inflammatory area. They are placed with the “N” side facing the surface of the human body. You need 10 sessions (30 minutes every day).

Ultraviolet radiation. The chest is irradiated through a perforated stabilizer. One dose per day is required. The duration of treatment is about 10 days.

Chest massage. This physiotherapy procedure is carried out in order to improve sputum discharge and bronchial drainage. This pleasant course of treatment must be completed at least 10 times.

Contraindications to physiotherapy

It happens that these procedures are not suitable for everyone. They have a number of contraindications:

1. If a person has a peak of the disease, which is accompanied by complete exhaustion of the body and fever.
2. The patient has a malignant tumor.
3. The patient has a cardiovascular disease that is at the stage of abnormal functioning.
4. Atherosclerosis of blood vessels in the brain.
5. Poor blood clotting (hemophilia).
6. In children with developing neurotoxicosis.

Treatment of pneumonia cannot occur without physiotherapy. They help the human body get out of a sick state, get stronger and normalize the immune system. But these procedures cannot be carried out in the midst of the disease, as this can worsen the patient’s condition, which will be life-threatening and lead to serious consequences.

At the slightest suspicion of pneumonia, every person should consult a doctor for help. It is impossible to cure this disease on your own.

Physiotherapy, exercise therapy, breathing exercises for pneumonia

Physiotherapy stimulates recovery mechanisms in acute pneumonia. In case of severe intoxication and fever, physiotherapy is not carried out; only mustard plasters, cups, and alcohol-oil compresses are allowed.

Inhalation therapy can be used to improve the drainage function of the bronchi, the ventilation function of the lungs, and also for anti-inflammatory purposes. Inhalations should be prescribed taking into account individual tolerance and not in the most acute period. However, inhaled bronchodilators can be used in case of bronchospastic reactions, regardless of the period of the disease.

Bioparox can be recommended for anti-inflammatory and antibacterial purposes. This is a dosed aerosol drug with a wide spectrum of action (effective against gram-positive and gram-negative coccal flora, gram-positive rods, mycoplasma). Bioparox reduces hypersecretion and reduces productive cough in bronchitis, reduces irritative cough in laryngitis and tracheitis. The drug is inhaled every 4 hours, 4 puffs per inhalation.

You can use anti-inflammatory herbal decoctions (chamomile, St. John's wort) in the form of inhalations. To relieve bronchospasm and improve the drainage function of the bronchi, inhalations of aminophylline, euspiran, novodrin, solutan, etc. are used (see “Treatment of chronic bronchitis”).

To liquefy and better discharge of sputum, inhalation of acetylcysteine ​​is used. Ultrasonic nebulizers should be used to prepare aerosols.

During the period of emerging recovery, aeroion therapy with negatively charged ions is advisable (they enhance ventilation, increase oxygen consumption, and have a desensitizing effect).

For anti-inflammatory purposes and to accelerate the resorption of the inflammatory focus, electrophoresis of calcium chloride, potassium iodide, lidase, and heparin is used on the area where the pneumonic focus is located.

In case of bronchospastic syndrome, electrophoresis of aminophylline, platiphylline, magnesium sulfate is prescribed on the chest; for cough and chest pain, electrophoresis of novocaine, dicaine is prescribed.

Electric field UHF

The UHF electric field accelerates the resorption of the inflammatory focus, reduces exudation, enhances capillary blood circulation, has a bacteriostatic effect, and reduces intoxication. UHF is prescribed to the inflammatory focus in a low-heat dose and combined or alternated with electrophoresis of calcium chloride or potassium iodide.

It should be remembered that UHF currents contribute to the development of pneumosclerosis. Consequently, with the development of pneumonia against the background of chronic bronchitis, the UHF field is contraindicated.

Inductothermy is the effect on the body of a high-frequency magnetic field (short-wave diathermy). The procedure enhances blood and lymph circulation, increases metabolism, relaxes smooth and striated muscles, and has an analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antiseptic effect. Inductothermy is prescribed to patients with widespread inflammation in the lungs. For prolonged pneumonia, inductothermy on the chest and adrenal glands is combined or alternated.

After inductothermy, for rapid resorption of the inflammatory infiltrate, it is advisable to prescribe electrophoresis of heparin and nicotinic acid.

Ultra-high frequency electromagnetic field (microwave therapy)

Microwave oscillations are used in two ranges - centimeter (UHF therapy) and decimeter (UHF therapy).

SMV therapy is performed with the Luch-58 device and helps resolve the inflammatory infiltrate in the lungs. The depth of penetration into the tissue is 3-5 cm. Foci located at greater depths are not accessible to action. SMV therapy is often poorly tolerated by patients with coronary artery disease.

UHF therapy is performed using Volna-2, Romashka, and Ranet devices and has advantages over other methods.

When treating with decimeter waves, tissue is exposed to an electromagnetic field of ultra-high frequency (433-460 MHz) and low power (up to 70-100 W). UHF therapy is characterized by a high degree of absorption of ultra-high frequency energy, deep penetration into tissue (7-9 cm), which provides a pronounced anti-inflammatory effect and a positive effect on the function of external respiration. UHF therapy allows you to concentrate parallel beams and provide only local effects. The procedure is well tolerated even by patients with coronary artery disease.

DMV therapy can be prescribed in the first 2-7 days after body temperature drops to normal or low-grade levels. The chest is affected in the projection of the inflammatory focus for 10-15 minutes daily. The course of treatment is 19-12 procedures.

In the phase of resolution of pneumonia, the patient is recommended paraffin, ozokerite, mud applications, as well as various acupuncture techniques: acupuncture, electroacupuncture, laser puncture. Under the influence of acupuncture, vegetative-somatic disorders are normalized, the compensatory and adaptive capabilities of the body are increased, which contributes to the rapid resorption of the inflammatory focus, the elimination of bronchospastic manifestations, and the normalization of the function of the mucociliary apparatus.

Acupuncture is not indicated for patients with fever, intoxication, pulmonary and heart failure, or with pronounced morphological changes in the lungs.

Healing Fitness

When practicing exercise therapy, chest mobility improves, vital capacity increases, the functioning of the circulatory system and oxygen supply to tissues improves, the body's protective capabilities increase, ventilation and drainage function of the bronchi improves. All this ultimately accelerates the resorption of the inflammatory focus in the lungs.

Exercise therapy is prescribed on the 2-3rd day of decreasing body temperature, if the patient’s condition is satisfactory.

In the acute period of pneumonia, treatment is carried out by positioning. The patient is recommended to lie on his healthy side for 3-4 hours a day. This position improves the aeration of the diseased lung. To reduce the formation of adhesions in the phrenic-costal angle, it is recommended to lie on your healthy side with a cushion under the chest. The position on the stomach reduces the formation of adhesions between the diaphragmatic pleura and the posterior wall of the chest, the position on the back reduces the formation of adhesions between the diaphragmatic pleura and the anterior chest wall.

Thus, in the acute period of the disease it is necessary to change position during the day.

While the patient is on bed rest and the body temperature decreases, static breathing exercises are prescribed to enhance inhalation and exhalation and improve mucus discharge (inhale deeply through the nose and exhale slowly through the mouth, gently pressing the hands on the chest and upper abdomen to enhance exhalation).

As the patient's condition improves, breathing exercises are combined with exercises for the limbs and torso, and then breathing exercises with resistance are included to increase the strength of the respiratory muscles. Dosed compression of one or another part of the chest is performed according to the initial strength of the respiratory muscles.

Breathing exercises are best performed while sitting or standing.

As the patient's clinical condition improves, general strengthening physical exercises are prescribed, and then walking and applied sports exercises (walking, ball games, exercise equipment, cycling) are included.

All exercises in therapeutic gymnastics must include a set of breathing exercises, taking into account the following rules: inhalation corresponds to straightening the body, spreading or raising the arms, exhalation corresponds to bending the body, bringing together or lowering the arms.

Training diaphragmatic breathing in a lying or standing position is very important. The patient stands with his legs wide apart; moving your arms to the sides, inhales, then, moving your arms forward and bending down, exhales slowly, during which you should retract your abdominal muscles.

If the patient lies on his back, then he places his hands on his stomach and exhales for a long time, blowing air out of his mouth; with his hands at this time he presses on the anterior abdominal wall, increasing exhalation.

It is advisable to accompany breathing exercises to increase the strength of the diaphragm with sounds or short, successive series of exhalation movements (pushes), during which the abdominal muscles tense and at the same time the diaphragm contracts.

Difficult Cell Massage

Chest massage significantly improves microcirculation in the lungs, the drainage function of the bronchi, and promotes the resorption of inflammatory infiltration in the lungs. Massage is used at all stages of the disease, taking into account body temperature, intoxication, and the state of the cardiovascular system.

How do children recover after pneumonia?

Rehabilitation after pneumonia in children is a rather complex and lengthy process. Pneumonia, or acute inflammation of the lung tissue, is a common disease. Not only the critical stage of this disease is dangerous, but also its consequences and possible relapses.

Practice shows that with timely treatment and correct doctor’s prescriptions, the focal form of inflammation disappears after 10-12 days. But it’s too early to talk about a complete recovery. Untreated pneumonia can lead to serious complications.

Pneumonia is an infection. It can be caused by:

7. bacteria (groups of pneumococci, streptococci, Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa);
8. viruses (herpes, influenza, adenoviruses);
9. fungal pathogens (candida and aspergillus).

The route through which the infection enters the child’s body most often is the oral cavity and upper respiratory tract. During inflammatory processes in other internal organs, it can also enter the lungs through the bloodstream.

In order to prevent relapse of the disease and speed up the recovery process, it is important to find out why the child got sick. This may be reduced immunity, foci of infection in preschool institutions and schools, chronic diseases of the upper respiratory tract (bronchitis, pharyngitis, sinusitis, tonsillitis).

The culprit may be an unfavorable environment: a polluted, industrial area in which the child lives or spends most of his time. It is worth impartially assessing the frequency and quality of cleaning in the apartment. It’s easy to think about the need to ventilate the room more often.

Inflammatory lung diseases in children are today treated in hospitals. As a rule, the child is discharged one month after the control x-ray.

In any case, the patient must be registered with a pediatrician or pulmonologist for a year. It will take approximately the same amount of time to fully rehabilitate the body.

In the first month after discharge, they complete a course of antibiotics and take bronchodilators and expectorants, as well as drugs to restore intestinal microflora. Your doctor will give you recommendations on the best diet for your child. In the period after inflammation, vitamin A is especially necessary, which will help restore the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract. Therefore, the menu should include: apricots, carrots, egg yolk, liver, broccoli.

Cereals (rice, wheat, oatmeal), nuts, chocolate, turkey, lamb and duck contain fairly large amounts of zinc. It has been found that it is able to ensure the integrity of airway cells during inflammation or damage to the lungs.

Make sure your child drinks enough water. Water helps loosen mucus accumulated in the lungs. This makes it easier to cough up.

Tasks of the recovery period

Parents should know and understand the purpose for which a set of various activities is carried out, which requires a lot of time and effort. The complex includes the following tasks:

• In order to avoid complications and relapses, it is necessary to accelerate the resorption of inflammatory exudate, for which blood supply and lymph circulation in the lungs are stimulated;
• be sure to monitor sputum production, which is a measure to prevent the development of bronchiectasis;
• you need to train the respiratory muscles, restore the breathing rhythm;
• it is required to strengthen and support all body systems;
• It is important to carry out physiotherapeutic treatment.

When the patient's temperature has returned to normal, a course of physical therapy can begin. This method of treatment has proven its anti-inflammatory, bacteriostatic, immunostimulating effectiveness.

During rehabilitation after pneumonia in children, physical therapy is mandatory. But some parents are quite wary of her. Let's see what the main types of physiotherapy are:

• UHF is a method of treatment with an ultra-high frequency electric field. It has been used for a long time and very successfully. Mothers of today's children can remember their childhood and the so-called warm-ups: two records in fabric bags. UHF has an anti-inflammatory effect, improves sputum discharge, and helps improve immunity. There are practically no contraindications to the use of UHF therapy in childhood and adolescence.
• UFO – ultraviolet irradiation. For decades it has been used to combat viruses, bacteria and inflammatory processes of various pathologies. In reasonable doses, UV light is harmless.
• Inductothermy. The principle of influence is based on an alternating magnetic field. When this procedure is performed, the child feels warm.
• Laser therapy. Improves microcirculation in the lung tissue, reduces spasm of bronchial smooth muscles, enhances the effect of antibiotics by intensifying blood flow in the lungs.
• Electrophoresis combines the effect of direct current and a drug (Ribonuclease, Streptomycin, Trypsin) on the body. Contraindications: acute form of the disease, dermatitis.
• Inhalations. Depending on the physical state of the inhaled substances, inhalations can be: dry, wet, oily. This procedure is especially convenient because, having received the necessary doctor’s recommendations, it can be performed at home.

Nowadays, household inhalers - nebulizers - have appeared. They spray the drug onto dispersed particles. The latter are able to reach the deep parts of the respiratory organs (bronchi and bronchioles). Inhalations are contraindicated for allergic reactions.

Modern, but still rare types of rehabilitation measures include speleotherapy and halotherapy, which are based on recreating the artificial microclimate of caves.

Therapeutic and breathing exercises

With pneumonia, the bronchi are filled with secretions, which leads to hypostatic (congestive) phenomena, resulting in respiratory failure and subsequent complications. A special course of physical exercises helps to cope with this problem. Now there are original methods of treatment and prophylactic complexes, including for children. Classes in physical therapy groups are taught by doctors at hospitals and clinics. In any case, you can get specific recommendations from the doctor who is observing your child.

Physical education classes begin as soon as the patient’s temperature normalizes.

The simplest exercise is turning from one side to the other, from the stomach to the back. The inflammatory process causes unpleasant, even painful sensations. The child instinctively turns over to the other less painful side. Mom should make sure that he does not sleep on one side, otherwise this may lead to the development of adhesions.

Respiratory (breathing) gymnastics. A simple but effective exercise: place your hands on your stomach and take deep breaths at least 15 times. It is important that these and other exercises prescribed by a doctor are performed in the presence of an adult! Sometimes passion and uncontrolled activities lead to nausea, dizziness and even fainting.

Subsequently, if the recovery process is going well, you need to regularly walk in the fresh air. A pine forest, a seashore, and a eucalyptus grove are ideal for walks.

Inflammation of the lungs is associated with coughing attacks. At the same time, the muscles of the chest tense monstrously. Complaints that everything hurts in the chest and stomach are especially common in children of kindergarten age. Therefore, one of the main goals of massage is to relieve tension by relaxing the muscles.

But massage is definitely recommended for infants because it allows you to restore the drainage system of the lungs: to facilitate coughing and expectoration.

It is better to entrust the baby’s massage to a specialist.

All of the above are just the main measures for the rehabilitation of a child after pneumonia. Parents need to listen carefully to the recommendations of the pediatrician and do not hesitate to ask him again about what they do not understand.

Keep a notebook in which you record daily observations of your child (temperature, sleep, appetite), write down what medications he took. Take this notebook to your doctor's appointment. Detailed records of the patient's condition will be helpful to him.

Physiotherapy for pneumonia

Pneumonia is an acute disease, predominantly of infectious etiology, characterized by focal damage to the respiratory parts of the lungs, the presence of intra-alveolar exudation detected during physical and/or instrumental examination, varying degrees of severity of a febrile reaction and intoxication. The sequence of disease processes includes the stages of bacterial aggression, clinical stabilization, morphological and functional restoration of the bronchopulmonary system.

Complex treatment of pneumonia is carried out in inpatient (hospital) conditions. The list of physiotherapeutic procedures is very diverse and corresponds to the stage of the disease.

Of the physiotherapeutic prescriptions, the first place is taken by warm-moist inhalation of solutions of antibiotics and sulfonamide drugs, followed in the next phase of the pathological process by inhalation therapy with mucolytics.

The second in etiopathological significance is drug electrophoresis of necessary medications.

At subsequent stages, UHF, UHF, SMV therapy and inductothermy are traditionally used on the chest area.

Ultrasound therapy procedures using generally accepted methods help prevent relapse of inflammation.

Of the phototherapy methods, the most optimal are the cutaneous effects of NLI - laser (magnetic laser) therapy, as well as a course (at least 7 daily procedures) of intravenous laser irradiation of blood. Blood irradiation with ultraviolet radiation is more problematic due to undesirable consequences due to a possible overdose of the factor and damage to the cellular elements of the blood due to objective reasons for the lack of accurate dosimetric control.

The corresponding procedures for water and heat therapy are pathogenetically determined and are widely used to treat patients with pneumonia using generally accepted methods.

The task of a family doctor at the inpatient stage of supervising a patient under his care is to justify the feasibility and convince hospital doctors to carry out UHF, UHF, SMV therapy and inductothermy procedures on various areas of the patient’s body in an athermic mode of exposure.

In most cases, patients with pneumonia in the convalescent stage, while still in hospital, require psychological rehabilitation by influencing the frontal lobes of the brain using the Azor-IR device; the technique and procedures are similar to those for COPD. As an alternative to psychological rehabilitation using information-wave influence, it is recommended to conduct electrosleep therapy using standard methods.

After discharge from the hospital, the family doctor is obliged to continue treating patients who have had pneumonia at home, since the convalescence stage can be protracted. During this period, physiotherapeutic procedures include information-wave exposure using the Azor-IR apparatus.

The procedures are carried out using a contact, stable technique on exposed areas of the patient’s body.

Fields of influence: - on the area of ​​the middle third of the sternum, II - on the interscapular region of the spine, III - on the area of ​​projection on the chest of the eliminated focus of inflammation of the lung tissue.

The EMR modulation frequency is 10 Hz, the exposure time per field is 20 minutes, the course is 10 - 15 procedures daily, once a day in the morning (until 12 noon).

It is possible to repeat (3 - 5 days after discharge from the hospital) psychological rehabilitation procedures using the Azor-IK apparatus on the projection of the frontal lobes of the patient’s head using a combined technique. The effects are carried out contact-wise, consistently, 2 times a day.

The EMR modulation frequency is 21 Hz in the morning after waking up and 2 Hz before bedtime.

The exposure time on the field is 20 minutes, for the course 7 - 10 treatments daily.

A very effective method that promotes the functional restoration of the bronchopulmonary system is to carry out daily procedures in the evening (1 hour after dinner) on a Frolov breathing simulator (TDI-01) according to the methods supplied with this inhaler. It is recommended that every patient with chronic bronchopulmonary pathology have this simulator as their personal property. Procedures on the Frolov breathing simulator must be carried out both in a hospital setting after eliminating the active phase of the inflammatory process, and at home after discharge from the hospital. The duration of daily procedures is from 1 week to 3 months.

It is possible to carry out sequential procedures on the same day in outpatient clinics and at home after pneumonia (the interval between procedures is at least 30 minutes):

• information-wave influence using the Azor-IK apparatus + procedures on the Frolov breathing simulator;
• psychological rehabilitation procedures using the Azor-IK device + procedures on the Frolov breathing simulator;
• information-wave influence using the Azor-IK device + psychological rehabilitation procedures using the Azor-IK device + procedures on the Frolov breathing simulator.

Treatment of pneumonia in children

Pneumonia is a disease that is best known about only in theory, just like any other. However, the statistics are not reassuring - three out of five children suffered from this disease at least once. Most often, it overtakes children at a particularly tender age - at 2-3 years. It is noteworthy that its clinical picture, symptoms and, of course, treatment are significantly different from how it all goes in adults. Pneumonia (as the disease is commonly called in everyday life) poses a significant danger to the health and life of children, so timely diagnosis and treatment are extremely important.

Treatment of pneumonia in children

Treatment of pneumonia in a child is prescribed by a doctor, who decides under what conditions it is most appropriate to carry it out. So, if the child is less than 3 years old, the disease is severe and there is a risk of complications, then treatment is carried out in a hospital setting. If the course of the disease is smooth, then it makes sense to leave the child at home under the care of loving relatives.

When treating a child at home, it is important to ensure that he remains in bed. For better ventilation, you can raise the pillows and place the child in a semi-sitting position. The room where the patient is located should be regularly cleaned and ventilated. Food should meet the child’s age-related needs, be easy to eat and warm, in addition, the baby’s diet should include plenty of fortified drinks - rosehip decoction, juices, fruit drinks from fresh berries and fruits. It is better to exclude fried, fatty, spicy and smoked foods altogether for a while.

Pneumonia in children without fever

In recent years, the phrase “atypical pneumonia” has become increasingly common, but few people know how it differs from “typical” pneumonia. Its main difference is that it is caused by specific pathogens - staphylococci, pneumococci, chlamydia and mycoplasmas. Most often it occurs in children; adults are extremely rarely affected by this disease.

In addition, the picture of the disease is also different - atypical pneumonia often passes without fever and is more similar to a common acute respiratory infection. Blood counts may not change. The child suffers from a debilitating dry cough, more typical of acute bronchitis. The treatment of this disease also has its own characteristics, since the causative agents of atypical pneumonia do not respond to all antibiotics, but only to certain ones. To prescribe an adequate drug, a sputum test is taken to determine sensitivity to antibacterial drugs. Only in this case will the treatment be effective.

Antibiotics for pneumonia in children

Since pneumonia is caused by an infectious-inflammatory process, its treatment cannot be done without antibacterial therapy. Only a doctor should select a drug that corresponds to the nature and severity of the disease, from all the variety available in the arsenal of modern medicine. Under no circumstances should you self-medicate or give your child antibiotics without a doctor’s prescription.

In addition to the use of antibiotics in the treatment of pneumonia in children, the following methods and means of rehabilitation after pneumonia in children are also used:

Medicines that promote the release of sputum, decongestants, antipyretics.

Massage for pneumonia in children. It is recommended to start it 4-5 days after the diagnosis of the disease, when the inflammatory process is already subsiding. The massage is performed in a supine position. The main massage movements are longitudinal stroking, circular kneading of the large pectoral muscles, rubbing the intercostal spaces.

Physiotherapy for pneumonia in children is widely used in the complex treatment of pneumonia. Its main methods: mustard wraps, cupping, warm baths, ultraviolet irradiation, UHF therapy.

Prevention of pneumonia in children

There are two types of preventive measures: primary and secondary. Primary prevention includes general recommendations regarding hardening, adherence to the regime, providing the child with adequate nutrition and sufficient physical activity.

Secondary prevention consists of ensuring a complete cure for pneumonia and protecting the child from infection to prevent relapse.

Features of physiotherapy for bronchitis

Physiotherapy for bronchitis is a series of measures aimed at suppressing the inflammatory process and improving the drainage function of the bronchi. The main goal of physiotherapy is aimed at healing and strengthening the body as a whole.

For chronic bronchitis, all therapeutic measures are carried out both during the period of exacerbation of the disease and during its remission. In an acute process, all procedures are prescribed immediately after the acute period has passed and the temperature has returned to normal.

Physiotherapy has a very positive effect on a person’s well-being, reducing discomfort and the inflammatory process during bronchitis. In addition, such procedures regulate blood supply. The most effective and popular methods of physiotherapy include:

Inhalation is carried out without any exposure to electrical devices.

It should be noted that inhalations can be used without fear by children and pregnant women. The medications used for this procedure are absorbed faster and better than those prescribed orally. For inhalation, as a rule, substances such as a 2% sodium chloride solution with various herbs (sage, coltsfoot, chamomile) are used. Any expectorant is widely used.

Today, ultrasonic inhalations using nebulizers are very popular. Their distinctive feature is that some of them are intended for mineral waters and special medical solutions, while others are for oil and herbal solutions.

Another advantage of such procedures is that they can be easily performed at home. To do this, you need to purchase a special device for inhalation and herbs at the pharmacy. Experts do not advise choosing herbs for this procedure on your own. It is better to consult a doctor. This will help avoid possible side effects such as an unexpected allergic reaction.

Although inhalations are a very effective method of combating bronchitis, they cannot be used for all patients.

It is better to refuse this procedure both at the height of the disease and in case of purulent endobronchitis. Cancer is a contraindication to this treatment.

Chest massage is also a fairly effective method that does not require the negative effects of medications.

A professional massage therapist taps the patient’s chest with the pads of his index and ring fingers. The masseur performs pleasant stroking, kneading and rubbing. During the procedure, special heated oil is used. The duration of such a massage, as a rule, does not exceed 5 minutes. For a good result, at least 5 such procedures are required.

UHF therapy - this procedure is very useful, as it stimulates the body's protective functions, reduces pain during illness and has an anti-inflammatory effect.

During UHF therapy, the human body is exposed to a high-frequency electric field. The duration of such a procedure, as a rule, does not exceed 20 minutes. In total, from 6 to 12 such effects on the body are carried out. 2 UHF-therapy should be carried out per day.

Electrophoresis for bronchitis is also a fairly common physiotherapeutic method.

The essence of this procedure is the interaction of a special drug introduced into the patient’s body and an electric current. The current promotes rapid delivery of drugs to the site of the disease. Electrophoresis promotes rapid clearance and liquefaction of sputum and increases the effectiveness of taking applications and tablets several times.

Magnetic therapy is also used for bronchitis. Using this procedure, specialists reduce the inflammatory process and improve metabolism. It should also be noted that magnetic therapy has a slight analgesic effect.

For better results, physiological procedures are often combined with activities that contribute to the general hardening of the body. Such activities include water procedures.

Pine and salt baths, circular showers and body rubdowns with water are very popular.

Breathing exercises and physical therapy exercises are very useful.

Physiotherapy in the treatment of children

Physiotherapeutic methods that are used to treat adults are slightly different from the methods that can be used in relation to children. The thing is that a child’s body is not as strong as an adult’s body, so all methods of treating bronchitis should be carried out with the least amount of stress on the baby’s organs and tissues.

When treating babies, ultraviolet irradiation is often used. This method has such positive properties. How:

Reducing inflammation and swelling.

Normalization of metabolic processes in the child’s body.

Activation of the body's adaptive function.

Improved sputum discharge.

Stimulation of immunity.

Basically, for bronchitis, doctors irradiate the patient's chest.

This method of treating bronchitis in children, CUV therapy, has proven itself well. In this case, the baby’s body is exposed to short-wave ultraviolet radiation, which has mycocidal and bactericidal effects.

Herbal medicine at home

It's no secret that various herbs and medicinal mixtures are very effective for many diseases. Bronchitis is no exception. Medicinal plants can be used both during remission and during exacerbations.

To enhance the expectorant effect and treat chronic bronchitis, doctors usually prescribe plants such as:

Oregano – you can prepare a very effective tincture from this plant at home. To do this, you will need to mix 75 g of oregano in 200 g of water. The resulting product should be taken warm? glasses at least 3 times a day 20 minutes before meals.

Blueberry Root – This plant can also be used to make a tincture. 8 g of cyanosis root should be brewed in 200 g of water and take the resulting liquid 3 tablespoons per day after meals.

Coltsfoot - to prepare a medicinal decoction you will need to brew 10 g of the plant in 200 g of boiling water. As soon as the liquid has cooled, it can be taken orally, 2 tablespoons every 3 hours.

Viburnum viburnum – 1 cup of the fruit of the plant should be poured with 1 cup of boiling water and the resulting mixture should be cooked for at least 10 minutes. The finished broth should be filtered, cooled and 3 tablespoons of honey added to it. Should you take a decoction of viburnum viburnum? glasses 3 times a day.

Prevention of exacerbations

The patient, as a rule, immediately understands that he has had an exacerbation.

This is indicated by an increased amount and change in the appearance of sputum. Impurities of pus appear in it. At the slightest suspicion of exacerbation of bronchitis, the patient should immediately seek help from a doctor.

It should be noted that advanced exacerbations can only be stopped with the help of corticosteroids. For prevention, medications are prescribed that protect the patient’s body from upper respiratory tract infections. Such drugs should be taken every month for 10 days. The duration of treatment should not be less than 6 months. If this is not done, then there is a high risk that the symptoms of the disease will soon return.

With pneumonia, the respiratory part of the lungs is damaged and inflammatory exudate accumulates in the alveoli. To diagnose the disease, fluorography and x-rays are used. After diagnosis, comprehensive treatment is prescribed. Physiotherapy for pneumonia is one of the most effective methods of therapy.

Effect on the body

Physiotherapy has a positive effect on the body:

• During it, the immune system is strengthened. It helps relieve inflammation and swelling of the lungs.
• In the process of physiotherapeutic procedures, local and reflex reactions of the body are formed.
• Thanks to the local effect, the removal of accumulated exudate is stimulated.
• It causes a series of reactions that stimulate the endocrine organs. Under the influence of this, hormones are released into the blood.

Thanks to physical therapy methods, the recovery process occurs faster.

Types of physiotherapeutic procedures

Physiotherapy for pneumonia is numerous. During such a disease, the following methods can be used:

• Pulsed UHF therapy. Usually used to treat children. Plates with a length of 12-15 cm are applied to the child’s chest, perpendicular to the inflammatory process. The course of therapy lasts up to 10 days. Procedures are performed daily for 7-10 minutes.
• Ultrasonic air inhalations. Used to treat adults and children. During the process, a special device is used - a nebulizer or an ultrasonic inhaler. With their help, the patient inhales a solution of antibiotics, heparin or other drugs that dilute viscous sputum. The duration of the session is up to 15 minutes, and the course of treatment is up to two weeks. When choosing an antibiotic for the procedure, the doctor must take into account whether the patient has an individual intolerance to the components of the product.
• Ultraviolet irradiation. The chest organs are irradiated with a perforated stabilizer. In total, treatment requires up to 10 procedures, which are carried out every other day.
• Magnetophoresis of antibiotics into the lungs. In this case, one flat inductor is installed on top and bottom of the chest. They are placed with the “N” side facing the body plane. Performed daily for half an hour. Number of repetitions – 10-12.
• Electrophoresis for pneumonia. It is carried out using antibiotics, heparins and expectorants. Electrodes are installed transversely to the chest. A current of weak strength passes through them - up to 10 mA. The duration of one session is 15-20 minutes. To cure pneumonia, you need to carry out the procedures daily for 2 weeks.
• Wave treatment. Unlike the above methods, it can be used even during fever. The human body is exposed to an electromagnetic field, the power of which is 35-45 W. One session should last no more than 5 minutes. The course of treatment requires 7-10 procedures, which are performed daily.

All of the above methods are effective in treating pneumonia. But to achieve quick results, it is recommended to carry out complex therapy.

Physiotherapy at home

All methods discussed above can only be carried out in a hospital setting. At the same time, to speed up the treatment of the disease, you can use other physiotherapeutic procedures performed at home.

Massage

Massaging movements in the chest area promote rapid removal of mucus and cleansing of the bronchi. It is used at all stages of the disease. But if pneumonia is accompanied by an increase in body temperature and intoxication of the body, massage is not recommended.

You can do it yourself or ask someone you know. Various vibration techniques are used - tapping with the back of the hand, fingers, or the edge of the palm.

Physiotherapy

It helps increase chest mobility. During it, blood circulation improves, so all body tissues are saturated with oxygen. The ventilation and drainage function of the bronchi improves. Thanks to exercise therapy, the inflammatory focus in the lungs gradually decreases until it completely resolves.

Gymnastics can only be done 2-3 days after the fever has passed and the temperature has dropped. If the patient does not feel well, exercise therapy should not be performed either.

In the first days, the patient is prescribed only breathing exercises, which speed up the process of sputum discharge. Then gymnastics includes exercises for the limbs and torso. They can be performed from a sitting or standing position:

1. Raise your arms up, inhaling deeply. Lower down, exhaling. Repeat 5-6 times.
2. Cross your arms over your chest. When inhaling, press them to the chest, when exhaling, move them to the side. Repeat 5-6 times.
3. Inhale as much as possible and hold your breath for 20 seconds. Exhale all the air from your lungs. Repeat 8 times.

As the patient's condition improves, physical exercises are introduced to strengthen the muscles. The complex includes walking, playing with a ball, and running in place.

Inhalations and medicinal decoctions

For inhalation at home, essential oils, salt and medicinal herbs are used. Procedures can be carried out only after the temperature has dropped.

Oregano has a good expectorant effect. Take 4 tbsp. dried herbs and pour a glass of boiling water over them. Inhale the vapors while bending over the container with the infusion.

From medicinal herbs you can make decoctions that strengthen the immune system. For example, you need to take 2 tbsp. dried coltsfoot grass, pour a glass of boiling water over it. Leave until cool. As soon as the liquid has cooled, it can be taken 1-2 tsp. before every meal.

Contraindications for procedures

Physiotherapy for pneumonia has a number of contraindications. It should not be carried out if:

• the disease is accompanied by fever, which leads to exhaustion of the patient’s body;
• there are malignant neoplasms in the lung area;
• the person has previously suffered a head injury;
• the patient has epilepsy;
• poor blood clotting is observed (this condition is usually observed in boys and men);
• The child developed neurotoxicosis along with pneumonia.

It must be taken into account that the use of physiotherapy in the presence of the above contraindications can provoke a deterioration in the general condition, as well as the development of serious complications.

Rehabilitation period

After pneumonia, the rehabilitation period lasts quite a long time. If treatment was prescribed on time and physiotherapy was carried out for pneumonia in adults and children, then the focal process should disappear within 10-12 days. However, after this, therapy should continue. If the inflammation is not treated, serious complications may develop.

During the rehabilitation period, it is necessary to monitor the patient's condition. If there is intense sputum production, this can cause bronchiectasis.

During the recovery period, it is imperative to train the respiratory muscles to restore normal breathing rhythm. You should adhere to a special diet, consuming foods rich in macro- and microelements beneficial to the body. You can also additionally take vitamin complexes from the pharmacy.

Thus, physiotherapeutic procedures are very effective in treating pneumonia. The main thing is to diagnose the disease in time and begin treatment.

Pneumonia is an inflammatory process of an infectious nature localized in the lower respiratory tract. Experts distinguish 4 types of this pathology: non-hospital (community-acquired), hospital-acquired (nosocomial), aspiration and pneumonia in persons with severe defects in the immune system. The most common is the first type - this is what most people mean when they talk about pneumonia, and specifically about community-acquired pneumonia - you will learn about the causes, symptoms, diagnostic features and principles of its treatment, including methods of physiotherapy, from our article.

Causes and mechanism of development of pneumonia

The main causative agents of community-acquired pneumonia are bacteria (streptococcus, Haemophilus influenzae, moraxella, mycoplasma, legionella, chlamydia and others) and viruses (especially influenza).

The main route of infection in this pathology is microaspiration. The fact is that in the human oral cavity and pharynx there are always some opportunistic and pathogenic microorganisms. In more than half of people, the phenomenon of microaspiration occurs during sleep (that is, a small amount of oropharyngeal contents enters the respiratory tract). The protective mechanisms of the trachea and bronchi prevent infection from spreading from the upper respiratory tract to the lower. In the case when these mechanisms weaken or the number of pathogenic microorganisms in the oral cavity and pharynx is very high, favorable conditions arise for the development of pneumonia.

Surely the reader is wondering why one person suffers from pneumonia repeatedly, while another never encounters this disease in his life? The fact is that there are a number of risk factors that increase the likelihood of developing pneumonia. The more such factors affect the same person, the higher the risk that he will get sick. Conversely, if you cannot attribute any of the factors to yourself, your risk of developing the disease is minimal.

Risk factors are:

• children (especially infants), elderly and senile age;
• bad habits (smoking, regular drinking, drug addiction);
• chronic somatic pathology, especially its advanced stages;
• ARVI;
• regular contact with animals and birds;
• congenital and acquired (HIV/AIDS, taking hormonal drugs, chemotherapy) immunodeficiencies;
• unfavorable environmental conditions;
• hypothermia.

Symptoms of pneumonia

The symptoms of this disease are varied and directly depend on its causative agent, risk factors and the timeliness and adequacy of treatment.

The main symptoms of pneumonia are:

• symptoms of intoxication (fever to 38 degrees and above, chills, general weakness, fatigue, irritability, headache, dizziness, deterioration or complete lack of appetite, and others);
• cough (can be dry or with sputum production);
• hemoptysis;
• chest pain not associated with movement, associated with coughing or breathing.

The disease begins acutely and requires urgent treatment and, in some cases, hospitalization.

If left untreated, the following complications of pneumonia may develop:

• pleurisy;
• empyema (accumulation of pus) of the pleura;
• abscess or gangrene of the lung;
• damage to the mediastinal organs – mediastinitis;
• damage to the pericardium - pericarditis, myocardium - myocarditis, endocardium - endocarditis;
• spread of infection to the meninges – meningitis;
• toxic pulmonary edema;
• acute respiratory failure;
• infectious-toxic shock;
• acute cor pulmonale.

Diagnostic principles

The doctor will suspect pneumonia based on complaints, medical history and the results of an objective examination of the patient. However, at this stage it is impossible to speak with certainty about this disease. Chest x-ray will help confirm the diagnosis - this is the most important method in diagnosing pneumonia. Without this study, it is impossible to be completely sure of the diagnosis.

Auxiliary diagnostic methods are:

• a general blood test (it will determine signs of inflammation - an increase in the level of leukocytes, a shift in the leukocyte formula to the left (if pneumonia is of a bacterial nature), an increase in ESR);
• microbiological examination of sputum (examination of it under a microscope, inoculation on a nutrient medium to determine the sensitivity of the pathogen to antibacterial drugs);
• determination of specific antibodies and antigens in blood serum (prescribed in some cases).

Treatment tactics

Treatment should begin immediately after diagnosis and be carried out either on an outpatient basis or in a hospital, depending on the patient’s condition.

The main therapeutic direction is antibiotic therapy. Broad-spectrum antibiotics are used or those to which bacteria isolated from the patient’s biological material are sensitive. Depending on the severity of the disease, drugs can be used in the form of tablets or by injection, and in especially severe cases - infusions (droppers). Also, the patient may be prescribed 2 or even 3 antibiotics at once.

The second direction of treatment is the removal of metabolic products of microorganisms - toxins - from the patient’s body. To do this, he is prescribed infusions of solutions - glucose, saline, rheopolyglucin and others.

To reduce the inflammatory process, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAIDs - diclofenac, meloxicam and others - can be used. They are not prescribed immediately, but after the body temperature drops to normal values.

Various other symptomatic drugs are also used - mucolytics (drugs that thin sputum), expectorants, vitamins and others.

Physiotherapy for pneumonia

Treatment with physical factors is an indispensable component of the complex treatment of this pathology, as it promotes the discharge of sputum, reduces the inflammatory process and speedy restoration of lung tissue.

The first place in physiotherapy for pneumonia belongs to inhalations. In this way, solutions of antibiotics can first be introduced into the patient’s body, and subsequently drugs that dilute sputum.

The second most important is electrophoresis of drugs needed by the patient, in particular NSAIDs.

Physiotherapy methods such as decimeter-wave, centimeter-wave and ultra-high-frequency therapy on the chest area can also be used. These procedures are included in the complex treatment of pneumonia only when the doctor has firm confidence that the patient has no complications.

Among the methods of light therapy, laser treatment (magnetic laser therapy and laser intravenous blood irradiation) has proven itself more than others.

Hydrotherapy procedures are also widely used.

Ultrasound therapy will help consolidate the anti-inflammatory effect of drugs and prevent the development of relapse of the inflammatory process.

All of the above procedures are carried out, as a rule, in a hospital setting and are prescribed when the acute symptoms of the disease have already been relieved, that is, in its subacute stage.

Both in an inpatient and outpatient setting during the recovery stage, many patients can be prescribed a physical therapy technique such as electrosleep. It will help restore the balance of the nervous system and improve the psychological state of the patient. Also, the Azor-IK apparatus is sometimes used for this purpose.

After the patient is discharged from the hospital, he is shown information-wave exposure - the same Azor-IR device. Procedures are performed on the area of ​​the middle third of the sternum, the interscapular area, the area of ​​projection onto the chest of the source of pneumonia; Both contact and stable techniques are used.

The second effective method of physical treatment during the period of convalescence is the use of a Frolov breathing simulator. It is recommended to carry out the procedures daily, 60 minutes after dinner. The duration of treatment ranges from 7 to 30 days. Patients suffering from chronic pulmonary pathology are recommended to have such an inhaler as their personal property.

Protracted pneumonia

Such pneumonia occurs, as a rule, when a patient uses the “wrong” antibiotic – the one to which the causative agent of his disease is not sensitive enough. Other causes of prolonged pneumonia are:

• old age of the patient;
• bad habits;
• severe concomitant diseases;
• bronchiectasis;
• diseases accompanied by partial blockage of the respiratory tract (bronchial stenosis, adenoma, cancer and others);
• cystic fibrosis;
• immunodeficiencies;
• lung abscess;
• activation of a tuberculosis infection that was previously in a latent state in the patient’s body;
• recurrent microaspiration (what it is is described at the beginning of the article).

Physiotherapy

Starting from 15-20 days of the disease, the following is prescribed:

• low-intensity magnetic therapy (increases immunity; use the Polimag-01 device);
• heparin electrophoresis on the area of ​​projection of the focus of pneumonia on the chest;
• inductothermy on the area of ​​projection of the focus of pneumonia on the chest;
• UV radiation of the chest;
• chest massage, including vibration techniques (improves sputum discharge);
• hypoxic therapy.

For patients who have had pneumonia, sanatorium-resort treatment is indicated. Local sanatoriums and climatic resorts with a warm, dry (southern coast of Crimea), mountain (Kyrgyzstan, Caucasus) climate are recommended. In the sanatorium, the patient receives therapeutic nutrition, herbal medicine, massage, various physiotherapy procedures (transverse galvanization with direct electric current, procedures using pulsed currents, mercury-quartz baths, laser therapy, paraffin applications and ozokerite applications to the area of ​​the affected part of the lung), exercise therapy. One of the mandatory components of rehabilitation is the help of a psychologist.

In concluding the article, we would like to emphasize that pneumonia is a serious disease, which in some cases leads to complications and even death. Treatment should begin immediately after confirmation of the diagnosis, be carried out under the supervision of a doctor on an outpatient or inpatient basis (depending on the severity of the disease) and be comprehensive, including antibiotic therapy, detoxification therapy, anti-inflammatory and other symptomatic agents. One of the most important components of treatment is physical therapy.

Separately, we note that in no case should you treat pneumonia on your own, but you must strictly follow the doctor’s recommendations - only in this case will recovery occur as quickly as possible.

Program “Everyday Life”, story about signs of pneumonia:

Health-saving channel, story on the topic “Treatment of pneumonia at home and in the hospital”:

Physiotherapy treatment for pneumonia

Physiotherapy is a branch of medicine that studies the use of physical environmental factors. This method of treatment helps to get rid of most diseases. Therefore, physiotherapy for pneumonia is also effective.

Physiotherapy methods

Treatment with physical factors helps eliminate inflammatory processes and reduce swelling. Patients receive desensitizing as well as bacteriostatic effects. During physiotherapy, the immune system is strengthened, which allows you to successfully fight the disease.

If there are no contraindications to physiotherapy, the following methods are used for pneumonia:

• UHF electric field;
• inductothermy;
• decimeter wave therapy;
• magnetic therapy;
• inhalation;
• ultraviolet irradiation;
• electrophoresis;
• thermal procedures;
• chest massage.

UHF electromagnetic field

When the inflammatory process is actively developing, physiotherapy is prescribed with the influence of a UHF electromagnetic field on the area of ​​the lesion in the lung. This method of treatment is used simultaneously with antibacterial therapy.

The UHF electric field reduces exudation in tissues, reduces swelling, and helps restore microcirculation. When exposed to a UHF field, the focus of inflammation is limited from healthy cells. This prevents pneumonia from developing and affecting other lung tissues. The UHF electromagnetic field has a bacteriostatic effect. The procedure is performed every day for 10 minutes. The course of treatment under the influence of the UHF electromagnetic field is 7 days.

Inductothermy

For root and central pneumonia, inductothermy is prescribed. The essence of this procedure is to expose the lesion to a high-frequency magnetic field. This makes it possible to enhance microcirculation, as well as lymphatic drainage. Inductothermy helps reduce bronchospasms, improve sputum separation, and increase metabolism. Thanks to this procedure, you can relax the muscles and relieve inflammation. Inductothermy is performed daily or every other day for 15 minutes. 10 procedures are enough.

Decimeter wave therapy

This physiotherapy has a pronounced anti-inflammatory effect. In case of pneumonia, this procedure is prescribed to improve tissue metabolism and increase blood circulation in the lungs. The essence of decimeter wave therapy is to influence the interscapular area, as well as the inflammatory focus. The procedure involves exposure to electromagnetic waves and is performed daily for 8 days.

Magnetotherapy

Prescribed for pneumonia in cases of severe intoxication. Magnetotherapy allows you to relieve swelling, improve capillary blood circulation and metabolic processes. The exposure time to a static magnetic field is 5−10 minutes. The procedure is performed daily for 10 days.

Inhalations

This method of physiotherapy is used to increase the area of ​​contact of medications with the mucous membrane of the respiratory system, which accelerates the resorption of the source of inflammation.

Inhalations help improve upper breathing and have a bacteriostatic effect.

Expectorants and bronchodilators are used for the procedure. In addition, infusions of medicinal herbs are actively used. Inhalations are carried out daily for 15-20 minutes a day. The course of treatment is 7 days.

Ultraviolet irradiation

This procedure has an anti-inflammatory effect, activates blood circulation, stimulates phagocytosis, and resolves infiltrates. Ultraviolet irradiation is aimed at the anterior and posterior surfaces of the chest. This method of therapy is prescribed for chronic and subacute stages of pneumonia. Exposure to ultraviolet rays lasts about 15 minutes.

Electrophoresis

Electrophoresis is rarely used in the acute stage of pneumonia. In subacute and staphylococcal forms of the disease, electrophoresis can be prescribed in combination with a UHF electromagnetic field. The essence of the procedure is the effect of a drug through which an electric current is passed, due to which it breaks down into ions and penetrates the human body. Electrophoresis has an anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect. Metabolism is normalized and blood circulation improves. Electrophoresis is carried out with calcium chloride, potassium iodide, lidase and other means.

Electrophoresis is painless. The patient is placed on his stomach. After cleansing the skin, the drug is applied to it, followed by an electrically conductive gel. The doctor presses the conductive electrodes, moving them from time to time. Electrophoresis is carried out for 15-20 minutes for at least five days.

Thermal treatments

Prescribed to get rid of residual signs of the disease. In this case, applications of paraffin, mud, and ozokerite are applied to the chest. The duration of the procedure is 20 minutes, the course of therapy is 10 days.

Chest massage

Thanks to therapeutic massage, spasms of the respiratory muscles are reduced, the mobility of the chest is restored, the elasticity of the lung tissue increases, and blood circulation improves.

Contraindications

Physiotherapy is not always approved for pneumonia. There are certain contraindications for which electrophoresis, exposure to UHF electromagnetic fields and other types of physiotherapy are not prescribed:

• high body temperature (more than 38˚C);
• bleeding or the possibility of such manifestation;
• acute forms of diseases accompanied by inflammatory processes with purulent foci;
• heart and pulmonary failure of 2-3 degrees;
• serious disruption of the cardiovascular system;
• neoplasms;
• bullous emphysema;
• blood diseases.

Whatever benefits physiotherapy brings, it is advisable not to carry it out for inflammatory diseases in the acute period. This can worsen the patient's condition and lead to serious complications.

Basic methods of physiotherapy in the treatment of pneumonia

Currently, respiratory diseases occupy the fourth position in the system of the main causes leading to mortality in patients.

However, unpleasant consequences and complications can only be avoided by using comprehensive treatment, which includes physiotherapy and medications.

To put it simply, physiotherapy for pneumonia is a complex of external natural and artificially created physical factors that have a beneficial effect on the patient’s body.

The main objective of this technique is to speed up the recovery process and reduce the risk of complications from pneumonia.

Thus, each doctor treating his patient prescribes, along with drug therapy, certain physical procedures aimed at normalizing the patient’s condition and speedy recovery.

Advantages and contraindications for physiotherapy

Timely administration of physical therapy for lung diseases contributes to the patient’s rapid recovery. Therefore, the sooner physical methods of influence on the patient’s body are prescribed, the lower the risk of possible complications.

Physiotherapy can be used from the first week of illness until it is completely cured. This type of therapy includes the following advantages:

Therapy can be carried out in special physiotherapy rooms, as well as in hospitals and at the patient’s home. Treatment methods are determined by the doctor on an individual basis, depending on the severity of the disease and the patient’s condition.

An experienced doctor prescribes certain physical procedures based on the patient’s condition, as well as his personal characteristics (age, presence of chronic pathologies, physical condition of the patient, stage of pneumonia, etc.).

However, it is worth considering the fact that these measures may not be prescribed for everyone, as they have certain contraindications, for example:

It is important to understand that physiotherapy during an exacerbation of pneumonia is under no circumstances acceptable. Procedures are prescribed only after the patient’s general condition has stabilized, which helps to avoid deterioration of the patient’s situation and the occurrence of complications.

Basic methods of physiotherapy used in the treatment of pneumonia

Currently, there are a huge number of different physiotherapy procedures that are widely used during the treatment of pneumonia. Below we will talk about the most popular techniques used in modern medical practice:

Method of physical influence using UHF. It involves treatment with a special electric field of a certain frequency by influencing the affected area of ​​the lung. Thanks to this therapy, the patient's lung swelling decreases, microcirculation in the tissues is normalized, and sputum discharge increases.

This method of therapy also has a bacteriostatic and absorbable effect. The course of treatment can last from five to seven sessions daily, ten minutes each.

Inhalations are very effective, which are carried out using ultrasonic manipulations with the use of healing vapors that penetrate into the farthest part of the respiratory system.

Antibiotics, herbs, hormonal agents and mucolytics can be used as medications. Thanks to inhalation, the patient's sputum discharge significantly improves, which helps relieve the patient from bronchospasm. The course of treatment can last up to ten days inclusive. Each session takes 10 to 15 minutes daily.

A physiotherapy method such as electrophoresis is very often used. The method is used if the patient does not have a severe stage of pneumonia. The principle of therapy is that the drug (antibiotic or expectorant) penetrates directly into the site of infection.

This effect is achieved due to the fact that special electrodes are applied to the patient’s skin, passed through medications, which, in turn, disintegrate into ions and penetrate into the very epicenter of inflammation.

Electrophoresis has an anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect, the patient's metabolism is normalized, and blood circulation in the lung tissues improves. The course of treatment with this method of physiotherapy can reach fifteen days, twenty minutes daily.

Bioptron therapy is an effect on the source of inflammation using polarized light, which allows you to get rid of the inflammatory process, increase the strength of metabolism and blood circulation. Treatment can reach twenty sessions over twenty days.

The advantage of treatment by wave action is that the technique can be used immediately after the patient’s condition returns to normal and the high temperature subsides. The duration of therapy is 1 week in short sessions of five minutes daily.

Magnetic therapy helps achieve an anti-inflammatory and bronchodilator effect. The essence of the procedure is that a high-frequency magnetic field acts on the source of inflammation.

Most often prescribed for pneumonia with obvious intoxication. One procedure takes from five to ten minutes. The duration of the course is no more than ten days.

If the patient experiences severe congestion, he is prescribed IR irradiation. Thanks to the influence of infrared rays, the patient’s blood circulation is normalized and phagocytosis is stimulated. Ten to fifteen sessions are prescribed in one course.

A positive effect in the treatment of pneumonia can be achieved through a special massage that acts directly on the patient’s chest. Thanks to this method of physiotherapy, the patient's blood circulation improves, spasms decrease, and the elasticity of lung tissue is restored.

Another effective method of physiotherapy is inductothermy. It involves treating the patient by exposing the affected area of ​​the lung to high-frequency magnetic radiation.

Due to this, the patient’s microcirculation is restored and lymphatic drainage is improved. Moreover, inductothermy helps improve metabolism and eliminate bronchospasms. To achieve maximum effect, no more than ten sessions are sufficient, lasting fifteen minutes at a time.

And the last method of physiotherapy, widely used in the treatment of pneumonia, is therapeutic and breathing exercises. Thanks to special exercises, wisely selected by your doctor, you can achieve maximum effect in the treatment of pneumonia.

Despite the fact that physiotherapy has positive dynamics in the treatment of lung diseases, you should always remember that it is prescribed only after the patient’s acute period of the inflammatory process has subsided.

Otherwise, therapy can only aggravate the patient’s condition and lead to serious complications.

Physiotherapy for pneumonia (pneumonia)

Currently, the entire range of medical procedures is divided into several types: surgery, drug treatment, physiotherapy, traditional medicine. Many of us have attended some physiotherapy procedures for one reason or another, however, few people really understand what physiotherapy is, what it relates to, and what effect it has.

Physiotherapy is treatment using natural processes or reformed in the direction of enhancing the therapeutic effect. This set of procedures includes well-known magnetic methods, as well as all kinds of inhalations, massage, physical therapy, etc. The essence of the treatment is to increase the natural strength of the body, stimulating it to recover.

Physiotherapy for pneumonia is the second most important healing method. In the first place is medicinal direct destruction of the pathogen. And physiotherapeutic procedures for pneumonia are required to correct its negative effects, cleanse the lungs, and minimize the possible negative consequences of the disease, namely: reduce swelling, prevent tissue scarring, soften existing scars, improve blood circulation, relieving inflammation, increase the flow of immune cells and nutrients necessary for complete tissue restoration, provide local treatment, cleanse the respiratory system and much more.

Physiotherapy for pneumonia contains the following procedures:

1. Inhalations.
2. Ultraviolet radiation.
3. Electrophoresis.
4. Inductothermy.
5. UHF electromagnetic field.
6. Decimeter wave therapy.
7. Magnetotherapy.
8. Thermal procedures.
9. Aromatherapy.
10. Therapeutic breathing.
11. Therapeutic exercise.
12. Massage.

Inhalations

The healing properties of inhalations for diseases of the respiratory system will not raise any doubts. Inhalations are a suspension of very small drops of water, which carry a certain set of medicinal substances that enter directly into the inflamed tissues themselves, providing local treatment.

Inhalation preparations may contain both auxiliary substances that soften and soothe the lungs and stimulate regeneration, as well as substances that can kill the pathogen. Getting directly onto the affected organs, which are saturated with blood vessels, the drugs are instantly absorbed, immediately starting to act where needed, having much less side effects on the rest of the body.

Steam inhalations directly heat the diseased organ, improving blood circulation, and small drops of a solution, even if it does not contain any drugs, dilute phlegm and clots and cleanse the lungs.

During the recovery period, inhalations clear the airways, helping the ciliated epithelium that has been damaged by this time, preventing the formation of adhesions, as well as the increase in scarring.

However, it is necessary to use inhalations after the stage of turning the disease towards the recovery process, when the patient no longer has edematous or purulent processes in the lungs, so as not to aggravate them with excess fluid.

Ultraviolet radiation

Ultraviolet radiation is the heating of the chest and back under light waves of the ultraviolet spectrum. This procedure very well activates blood circulation, the strengthening of which has many useful functions.

Firstly, immunity increases, since more immune cells produced by the bone marrow circulate through diseased lungs.

Secondly, drugs quickly reach the area of ​​inflammation and toxins are eliminated faster with excess fluid, preventing poisoning by the products of the process of fighting the disease and the vital activity of the pathogen, as well as pulmonary edema.

Thirdly, gas exchange improves, which reduces the hypoxic effect of the disease.

Fourthly, infiltrates resolve (compactions from blood-purulent masses, immune cells, pathogens with body tissues, which are very difficult to remove and can also lead to abscesses, adhesions, scarring).

Ultraviolet irradiation is usually carried out for chronic pneumonia and mild to moderate pneumonia.

Electrophoresis

Electrophoresis is a method of exposing a diseased area of ​​the body to a direct current of low voltage and strength, which is invisible to the patient, but is sufficient to decompose drugs into ions with attraction to the area of ​​influence.

Electrophoresis for pneumonia creates an increased concentration of drugs in the lungs, and a decreased concentration in other areas of the body. This enhances the therapeutic effect in the area of ​​inflammation, reducing their toxic effect on other tissues. In addition, the procedure has a good analgesic and anti-edematous effect. The current strength is selected individually depending on the sensitivity of the patient; the higher it is, the stronger the effect. For pneumonia, it is often prescribed in combination with UHF.

This procedure is indicated for a huge variety of diseases, and is not recommended for acute febrile conditions, tumors, severe negative changes in the skin in the area of ​​​​exposure and an individual ban on the patient from exposure to electric shock.

UHF electromagnetic field

The method of applying a UHF electromagnetic field to a diseased area is used for severe inflammation in conjunction with antibacterial drugs. This effect of the electromagnetic field improves blood circulation, but at the same time carries out a unique limitation of the affected area, preventing it from growing with the transfer of infection to neighboring tissues. The huge advantage of the procedure is the ability to penetrate into the deep tissues of internal organs, where other methods of physiotherapy cannot reach, to warm them up, increasing the flow of fluids.

Operating principle: a weak magnetic field freely penetrates inside the body, creating weak electric currents that cannot overcome the resistance of internal fluids and begin to heat them. Directed at a specific organ, UHF causes a rush of blood to it, and with it immune cells, medications and nutrients. The outflow of blood removes metabolic products from it, facilitating the healing process.

UHF for pneumonia prevents the development of the most dangerous consequence - pleurisy, and helps speed up the fight against the bacterial pathogen. Contraindications for use, as with other physiotherapeutic methods, are acute conditions and the severity of the patient’s condition.

Decimeter wave therapy

Decimeter wave therapy is similar to UHF; it is the same electromagnetic field with a different wavelength and frequency, warming up internal tissues, improving blood circulation, and having an anti-inflammatory effect. In addition, this type of radiation enhances the secretion of glands, many of which help in the fight against illnesses. This type of physiotherapy is more effective, but has more contraindications: pacemakers, oncology, poor blood clotting, heart problems, bleeding, especially internal bleeding, tuberculosis, ulcers and problems with the gastric valve.

Magnetotherapy

Magnetotherapy is the effect on the area of ​​inflammation with a constant magnetic field, which should cause small electric currents in some tissues of the body, and with their help influence drug ions, free radicals, increase the conductivity of cell membranes, which is very good in combination with drug therapy against a bacterial pathogen , and also enhance overall metabolism.

This procedure for pneumonia should relieve swelling, improve capillary circulation, and fight intoxication. However, in many Western countries this procedure is not used because it is considered to have a placebo effect rather than a real benefit. At the moment, this type of medical procedure in Russia is officially used as a physiotherapeutic method, but has a controversial status in the world.

Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy for pneumonia is indicated for almost everyone and at all stages. It involves the constant inhalation of vapors of certain essential oils, which, upon entering the lungs, are quickly absorbed, kill the pathogen (including in the air in the room), calm the patient, and also have a different medicinal effect, depending on the specific type of essential oil. This method has virtually no limitations other than allergic reactions and has a fairly pronounced healing effect.

Thermal treatments

Thermal procedures are prescribed during the recovery period, when the disease has already passed, to prevent relapse and eliminate remnants of the disease, if any remain unnoticed. This method consists of warming a person with his own heat through local paraffin applications, mud wraps or applying ozokerite to the chest. Increases blood circulation in this area, eliminating any remaining inflammation.

Therapeutic breathing

Therapeutic breathing is a special type of physiotherapy for pneumonia, which was developed specifically for diseases of the respiratory system. It is a set of very simple breathing exercises that saturate the blood with oxygen, which is very important for pneumonia, when oxygen exchange is extremely difficult due to inflammation. In addition, it prevents the development of pulmonary failure, weakening of the respiratory system, and the formation of scars and adhesions. It also contains exercises for clearing mucus and preventing the hardening of already formed scars, giving them elasticity, which allows them to minimize their negative impact on the patient’s quality of life. Even bedridden patients can conduct therapeutic breathing sessions, but the contraindications are that the patient’s condition is too severe, acute stages, or very high temperatures.

Massage

For pneumonia, special types of massage are indicated that increase blood circulation in the torso area and cleanse the lungs. Special movements stimulate blood flow and mucus movement, help relieve swelling, and also separate clots from the walls of the respiratory tract, which is especially important for young children who do not really know how to cough. Massage movements stimulate the lungs, preventing adhesions from forming and scars losing elasticity.

Physiotherapy

Therapeutic exercise is physical exercise to maintain physical fitness or restore it after a serious illness, improve immunity, and stimulate blood circulation.

During illness, the listed methods are used both individually and in combination.

Their dignity cannot be overestimated, since they allow healing using natural processes inside the human body. They are a wonderful tool that enhances drug therapy and also prevents the development of complications.

Many do not believe in the point of carrying out these procedures, believing that it is enough to kill the causative agent of inflammation with chemicals. However, medications act not only on microbes, but also on the body itself; they have certain restrictions on the permissible dosage, which is sometimes not enough to defeat the disease. If doctors cannot increase the dose, then they figure out how to increase the efficiency of the drug using physiotherapeutic procedures. In addition, the drugs themselves are unable to concentrate in the right areas, but simply float dissolved in the bloodstream; they will not help soften adhesions and scars or directly affect the inflamed tissue.

Physiotherapy after pneumonia not only removes the residual effects of the disease, but also combats various consequences that can significantly complicate the patient’s life, provides good prevention, reducing the risk of relapse and transition of pneumonia to a chronic form. It is very pleasant for the financial condition of the patient that physiotherapy uses internal sources of the body and does not require such special expenses as for the purchase of medicines.