Chest physiotherapy assists in treating some of the symptoms of
respiratory disorders, such as airflow obstruction, alterations in
ventilatory pump functions and impaired exercise performance.
The aim is to improve the patient’s respiratory status and expedite
recovery by enhancing airway clearance in lung diseases associated
with hypersecretion and reduced airway resistance. Increased
airway clearance enhances gas exchange and reduces the work of
breathing (Wallis 1999). Chest physiotherapy is best used for patients
with copious secretions (more than 30 ml/day) and reduced
ability to cough (Cochrane 1977; Graham 1978).