Role of physiotherapist in management of bronchiectasis

Siti Hawa Ahmad
University Malaya Medical Centre, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Bronchiectasis is a chronic lung condition characterized by repeated respiratory infections, productive cough, shortness of breath and decreased exercise tolerance, Management involves medication and physiotherapy, aiming to improve airway clearance and exercise tolerance, minimize exacerbations and improve health-related quality of life (HRQOL). Physiotherapy involvement in the management of bronchiectasis is supported by international guidelines which state that individuals with a chronic productive cough or difficulty clearing sputum should be taught an airway clearance technique by a trained respiratory physiotherapist.