Abstract

The management of severe exacerbations of COPD includes medication with bronchodilators, corticosteroids, antibiotics in the case of bacterial infections, oxygen, non invasive or invasive ventilation as well as physiotherapy (PT). Despite limited evidence the following targets for PT were identified: deconditioning, impaired airway clearance, atelectasis, intubation avoidance, and weaning failure. The main interventions for mobilisation and increasing airway clearance are discussed. There is a need to define the professional profile of physiotherapists, and increase the awareness of the benefits of the management of immobility and deconditioning for these critically ill patients.

Author Details

Authors

• H. Worth

Departments

• Medizinische Klinik I, Klinikum Fürth

Address

Prof. Dr. med. H. Worth
Medizinische Klinik I, Klinikum Fürth
Jakob-Henle-Straße 1
D-90766 Fürth
Email: [email protected]

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