Reduced Lung Volumes Flashcards
Causes of RLV
interruption to the mechanics of ventilation - inability to contract the diaphragm - inability to expand the chest wall - inability to expand the lung tissues increased resistance to air flow in the lungs - inhaled foreign body - retained secretions - compression of the lungs altered control of ventilation - damage to respiratory control centres - damage to nerve pathways - medications
Clinical significance RLV
Reduced TLC and VC
- results in impaired airway clearance and reduced exercise tolerance
- no longer able to fully expand lungs = can’t get enough air
Reduced FRC
- can’t sustain normal alveolar ventilation = impaired gas exchange and dyspnoea
Secondary lung infections likely to occur
What impairments can cause RLV?
pain impaired airway clearance respiratory muscle dysfunction musculoskeletal dysfunction airflow limitation
Functional Residual Capacity Definition. What factors increase and decrease FRC?
the volume of air remaining in the lugns at the end of a normal tidal expiration Increases with - age - emphysema - obstructive lung diseases - erect body position Decreases with - body position - anaesthesia - reduced muscle tone - restrictive lung disease - obesity
Closing Volume
Lung volume at which small dependent airway closure begins to occur
Occurs when FRC becomes lower than CV
Clinical Features RLV
LOOK - apical breathing pattern - rapid, shallow breathing - reduced chest wall expansion - distended abdomen LISTEN - auscultation - absent, reduced or bronchial breath sounds - weak cough FEEL - reduced chest expansion MEASURE - spirometry - reduced FEV1 and FVC - CXR
Conclusive evidence RLV
auscultation - reduced, absent or bronchial breath sounds
reduced chest expansion with palpation
spirometry - reduced FEV1 and FVC
CXR
RLV Physiotherapy Management
positioning - ideally upright
demand ventilation - physical activity
deep breathing exercises
