Chronic Bronchitis and Emphysema

Abstract

If a precise physiologic assessment of emphysema or chronic bronchitis can be made, beneficial therapy is available. Among the useful treatments are chest physiotherapy with postural drainage, breathing exercises, and oxygen breathing during efforts to increase exercise tolerance. The abnormal breathing pattern of most patients with chronic obstructive lung disease can be improved by breathing exercises. Respiratory infections are frequent and lethal in these patients and often require immediate antibiotic therapy.