[Respiratory physiotherapy in pediatric practice]

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Pulmonology
• Respiratory Physiotherapy

Background:

• Upper (URT) and lower respiratory tract (LRT) congestion is common in pediatric respiratory illnesses.
• Airway clearance techniques (ACTs) are frequently prescribed to manage secretions in children, adapted from adult methods.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review ACTs used by physiotherapists for pediatric respiratory conditions.
• To provide an overview of current indications for ACTs in children.
• To explore complementary approaches and identify research gaps.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of airway clearance techniques in pediatric respiratory diseases.
• Analysis of current indications and controversies surrounding ACTs.
• Discussion of assessment tools and effectiveness evaluation.

Main Results:

• Upper airway clearance, including nasal irrigation, is recommended for rhinosinusitis and bronchiolitis in infants.
• Lower airway clearance is indicated for cystic fibrosis, primary ciliary dyskinesia, and neuromuscular disease.
• The use of ACTs for acute viral bronchiolitis in infants is controversial.

Conclusions:

• ACTs are vital in managing pediatric respiratory congestion, but require careful selection based on age and condition.
• There is a need for improved objective tools to assess bronchial congestion and evaluate ACT effectiveness.
• Further research is necessary to refine indications and optimize ACT application in children.