Role of chest physiotherapy in acute viral bronchiolitis <b>[Abstract in English]</b>

Abstract

Aims: To review medical literature about chest physiotherapy treatment in children with acute viral bronchiolitis. Source of data: Review using PubMed, Medline and LILACS database articles, national and international journals, and also most important textbooks published in the last years. Summary of the findings: Acute viral bronchiolitis is a common lower respiratory tract infection in children. Despite low morbidity, it represents almost 75% of pediatric hospitalizations. Clearance of secretions and the airway obstruction, and improving oxygenation techniques are frequently used, but the literature do not support the use of chest physiotherapy in these patients. Though some physiotherapists employ modern physiotherapy techniques, no studies about its effectivity in the management of acute viral bronchiolitis were done. The references are outdated and cite traditional or obsolete techniques. Conclusions: Despite the literature have no direct evidences, chest physiotherapy has been used in acute bronchiolitis to assist in the clearance of tracheobronchial secretions, clear the airway obstruction, reduce airway resistance, enhance gas exchange and reduce the work of breathing by removing the mucus excess. Further randomized, controlled, and blinded clinical trials that evaluate the modern techniques are needed, to define the role of chest physiotherapy in acute viral bronchiolitis. KEYWORDS: BRONCHIOLITIS, VIRAL; ACUTE-PHASE REACTION; PHYSICAL THERAPY MODALITIES; PHYSIOTHERAPY; RESPIRATORY SYNCYTIAL VIRUS INFECTIONS.