A Physiotherapeutic Approach Along with Bronchodilators to Control Bronchial Asthma in a 35 Year Old Adult: A Case Report

Background: Bronchial asthma is a common disease characterized by the generalized narrowing of intrapulmonary airways accompanied by breathlessness and wheezing, which differs in severity spontaneously or as a result of treatment. Asthma is caused by bronchial wall inflammation and constriction due to the hyper-reactivity of their smooth muscle, resulting in a series of spasmodic wheezing attacks and shortness of breath (SOB).

Case description: The patient was a 35 year old female presented with a complaint of dry cough with mucoid expectoration and chest pain since 3 weeks. The cough was progressive and aggravating while walking or while doing any sort of activity and it use to relieve at rest. She also complained of Modified Medical Research Council (MMRC) grade 2 breathlessness along with palpitation while doing household work. She had chest pain while coughing on left side over the 2nd intercostal space which was gradually progressive and 7/10 on VAS. She also had low grade fever, cold with chills and night sweats. The patient had a history of seasonal variation, dust allergies and biomass exposure. She was given medications but was not relieved so she was referred for physiotherapy. Physiotherapy treatment was started. Patients sleep was disturbed. The patient had no past history. Family history is not present.

Diagnosis: The patient was diagnosed with bronchial asthma.

Outcomes & conclusion: This case study showed that breathing exercise, postural drainage and proper relaxation of the patient may reduce the symptoms associated with bronchial asthma also the peak flow values may increase with breathing retraining. Pain reduces with reduction in cough and episodes of dyspnoea. Also educating the patient about prevention of asthmatic episodes help the patient in many ways. Along with bronchodilators physiotherapy plays an integral part in treating the patient with bronchial asthma.