코로나 바이러스로 인한 폐 섬유증에 대한 호흡물리치료 임상사례

Case Study of Respiratory Physical Therapy for Patient with Pulmonary Fibrosis Caused by Coronavirus Disease

Purpose : This case study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of respiratory physical therapy for pulmonary fibrosis caused by coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19). Methods : A patient with pulmonary fibrosis caused by COVID-19 underwent respiratory physical therapy and education for diaphragmatic breathing patterns, ventilatory movement strategies, positioning for dyspnea relief, diaphragmatic controlled breathing, and airway clearance techniques for 3–4 months. Results : The patients with pulmonary fibrosis caused by COVID-19 who presented with dyspnea, fatigue, and general weakness showed improvement after 3–4 months of respiratory physical therapy. The oxygen supply was reduced from 3 L/min with a T-piece to 1 L/min using a nasal cannula, thereby stabilizing the patient’s breathing. In addition, functional mobility, such as bridging, rolling, sitting on a bed, and wheelchair transfer on a bed, became possible, and symptoms could be alleviated using a diaphragm breathing pattern for dyspnea. Conclusion : The results of the intervention indicate that respiratory physiotherapy is an essential interventional approach for pulmonary fibrosis caused by COVID-19.