[Chest physiotherapy in childhood respiratory disorders (author's transl)]

The effect of chest physiotherapy in the treatment of pediatric pulmonary disorders was evaluated for one year by means of a specially devised progress chart. A high percentage of atelectases was successfully reopened. The right upper lobe was most frequently involved, followed by the left upper, right lower and left lower lobe. The incidence of postextubation atelectasis in neonates with hyaline membrane disease was significantly lower when chest physiotherapy was commenced before extubation. The value of chest physiotherapy in chronic respiratory disorders remains uncertain, whereas it does constitute an essential part of therapy in acute conditions.