[The role of respiratory physiotherapy in an intensive care unit].

In an intensive care unit an important role is assigned to respiratory physiotherapy. Its principal task is efficacious toilet of the bronchi by fluidifying the secretions, promoting their ungluing from the respiratory tree and facilitating their evacuation by cough or by aspiration with a catheter or bronchoscope. The technique comprises the inhalation of a secretolytic (e.g. Bisolvon, NaCl 9%) and, in the case of asthma, bronchospasmolytic (e.g. Ventoline) aerosol followed by breathing exercises. The other objectives of physiotherapy are to ensure a better distribution of inspired air, increase failing ventilation, ameliorate disturbed gas exchange, relax the contracted respiratory muscles and prevent bronchiolar collapse in emphysema during expiration. The field of application of respiratory physiotherapy is large; its purpose is prophylactic and therapeutic. The method is prophylactic in all patients confined to bed, where there is a risk of bronchial obstruction or ventilatory failure, especially in those with severe operation, traumatism or consciousness disorder. Physiotherapy has a therapeutic role in several, principally broncho-pulmonary diseases, such as asthma, obstructive emphysema, pneumonia, bronchiectasis, pulmonary abscess, atelectasis, and pulmonary and pleural fibrosis. Myocardial infarction and pulmonary embolism in the acute state, acute pulmonary edema, pneumothorax and pulmonary hemorrhage are contraindications for physiotherapy. If the method is to be effective the intensive care unit should have a specialized physiotherapist attached to it working there on a daily basis.