| 1. Patient Education - Avoid triggers; correct inhaler use | Trigger avoidance counselling: Educate on common triggers (dust, smoke, cold air, allergens, exercise). Provide a written trigger-avoidance checklist. Inhaler technique training: Demonstrate and practice MDI/spacer use - Inhale slowly over 3-5 seconds, hold breath 10 seconds, wait 30-60 sec between puffs. Repeat device demonstration until patient performs it correctly - minimum 3 supervised practice sessions per admission. |
| 2. Secretion Clearance | a) Chest PT + Postural Drainage (PD): Position patient in gravity-assisted drainage positions targeting affected lobes (e.g., Trendelenburg 15-30° head down for lower lobes, side-lying for lateral segments). Each position held for 5-10 minutes. 2-3 positions per session. 2 sessions/day. b) Directed Cough / Huff: After PD, instruct a supported deep breath, followed by 1-2 forced expirations (huffs) with open glottis ("ha" sound) to mobilize secretions. Repeat 3-4 huffs, then rest. 3-5 cycles per session. c) PEP (Positive Expiratory Pressure) Device: Breathe in normally, exhale through PEP mask/mouthpiece at resistance generating 10-20 cmH₂O. 10-15 breaths per cycle, 2-4 cycles per session, separated by directed coughing. 2 sessions/day. d) ACBT (Active Cycle of Breathing Techniques): 3-phase cycle - (i) Breathing control: 3-4 relaxed tidal breaths; (ii) Thoracic expansion exercises: 3-4 deep breaths with 3-sec hold at full inspiration; (iii) Forced expiration technique (FET/huff): 1-2 huffs at medium to low lung volume. Repeat full cycle 3-4 times per session. e) Autogenic Drainage (AD): Breathe at low lung volume (unstick mucus) → mid lung volume (collect) → high lung volume (evacuate). Each phase: 8-10 breaths. 2-3 complete cycles per session. |
| 3. Breathing Retraining Exercises | a) Diaphragmatic Breathing: Patient supine/semi-reclined. One hand on chest, one on abdomen. Inhale slowly through nose 4 seconds - abdomen rises, chest stays still. Exhale passively 6 seconds. 10 breaths per set, 3 sets/session. 2-3 sessions/day. Progressed to sitting and standing. b) Pursed Lip Breathing (PLB): Inhale through nose for 2 counts. Exhale slowly through pursed lips (as if blowing a candle) for 4 counts - maintaining a 1:2 inhale:exhale ratio. 10 breaths per set, 3 sets/session. Use during activity and dyspnoeic episodes. c) Buteyko Breathing Technique: Sit upright, relax. Breathe normally, then after a normal exhale, pinch nose (Control Pause test). Aim to reduce breathing volume to create mild air hunger. Sessions: 20-30 min, 2 times/day. Reduce breathing frequency to 6-10 breaths/min progressively. d) Control Pause / Breath Holding: After a normal exhale, hold breath until first urge to breathe. Record time (normal: >40 sec). Practice 5 times with normal breathing between holds, 2-3 times/day. |
| 4. Dyspnoea Management | Dyspnoea Relieving Positions - teach 3 key positions: (i) High side-lying: Semi-reclined at 45-60°, head elevated on pillows, knees slightly bent. Use during acute episodes. (ii) Forward lean sitting: Sit, lean forward with forearms resting on thighs or table (tripod position). Reduces accessory muscle work. (iii) Forward lean standing: Stand and lean against wall, arms supported. Hold position for duration of dyspnoea episode. Combine with PLB in all positions. Practice during PT sessions daily so patient learns to self-manage. |
| 5. Reduce Generalised Weakness | ROM Exercises - Upper Extremity (UE) + Lower Extremity (LE): UE: Shoulder flexion, abduction, IR/ER, elbow flexion/extension, wrist circumduction - 10 reps each, both sides, 2 sets. LE: Hip flexion/extension/abduction, knee flexion/extension, ankle dorsiflexion/plantarflexion, ankle circles - 10 reps each, both sides, 2 sets. Performed in supine, progressed to sitting and standing. 1 session/day (or 2 if deconditioned). Slow controlled movement, breath synchronised - inhale on effort, exhale on return. |
| 6. Prevent Secondary Complications (DVT) | a) Compression Stockings (TED): Apply graduated compression stockings (class 1: 14-17 mmHg) bilaterally from toes to knee. Worn during periods of bed rest/immobility. Check hourly for skin integrity. b) Ankle Pumping Exercises: Active ankle dorsiflexion/plantarflexion (pump) - 20 reps per foot. Ankle circles - 10 reps each direction. 3-4 sets/day (every 1-2 hours while awake). Perform in supine or sitting. Encourages venous return and reduces DVT risk. |
| 7. Strengthening of UE | Progressive UE Strengthening (in-bed / bedside): Use light resistance bands or 0.5-1 kg dumbbells. Exercises: Bicep curls (2 sets x 10-12 reps), Shoulder press (2 sets x 10 reps), Shoulder abduction (2 sets x 10 reps), Tricep push-backs (2 sets x 10 reps). Pace with breathing - exhale on exertion, inhale on return. Monitor O₂ saturation. Progress resistance as tolerated. Once daily. |