The lungs and the gut are lined with a thin layer of cells which produce mucus and other secretions.  With cystic fibrosis these cells produce mucus that is too thick.  In the lungs, the small air passages become blocked up with mucus.  This results in chest infections and damage to the lungs. Cystic fibrosis occurs in about 1 in every 2500 births in this country.

Treatment options - physiotherapy and exercise

What is physiotherapy?

Physiotherapy is a way of clearing the thick, sticky mucus from the lungs. Parents are taught how to do this for their child by the physiotherapist in the CF clinic. Adults with CF can learn how to administer their own physiotherapy.

Why is chest physiotherapy important?

Chest physiotherapy is important because helps to prevent the thick, sticky lung secretions from blocking the air tubes. This helps to reduce infection and prevent lung damage.

How much physiotherapy is needed?

The length of treatment sessions varies according to need. If there are few or no secretions, treatment sessions may only need to last 10-15 minutes. However, it could take as long as 45-60 minutes if there are many secretions to be cleared.

The number of treatment sessions should be varied. Most patients do two a day when all is well, increasing to four a day when necessary. If no secretions are present, some people with CF only need treatment once a day.

Your physiotherapist can advise you on how much physiotherapy is appropriate.

When should physiotherapy start?

Physiotherapy should start from the time of diagnosis.

Who should do physiotherapy?

At first the adults that care for the child should do it. Later on, relatives or friends should learn so that no one person becomes indispensable.

Breathing exercises can be introduced in the form of a game from the age of two or three. From around the age of nine, most children can start doing part of their physiotherapy for themselves.

Most teenagers become completely independent and only require help if they have increased secretions.
 

Exercise

Physical activity is an important part of the treatment process.
Exercise is particularly important for people with CF as it prevents deterioration of the lungs and improves physical bulk and strength. Children with CF should be encouraged to take part in as much physical activity as possible - ideally types of exercise that make you out of breath (i.e. running, swimming, football or tennis).

It is important to inform teachers at school that exercise should be encouraged, as they may be unsure whether exercise is good for people with CF or not.

Posture and chest mobility

The spine, ribcage and shoulders should remain fully flexible as far as possible and good posture should be maintained.

Older children or adults may need to do stretching exercises to maintain full movement of the joints and muscles around the shoulders and chest.

Younger children can do the same by taking part in games or activities that involve moving and stretching the trunk and arms. Activities like wheelbarrow racing make good stretching exercises, as well as helping to drain secretions.

Medpages Medical Reference from: www.surgerydoor.co.uk

Last Updated: 28/1/2009
This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Disclaimer