IMPACTO DA FISIOTERAPIA EM BEBÊS COM BRONQUIOLITE: RELATO DE EXPERIÊNCIA DO PROJETO DE EXTENSÃO HAPPY LUNGS
IMPACTO DA FISIOTERAPIA EM BEBÊS COM BRONQUIOLITE: RELATO DE EXPERIÊNCIA DO PROJETO DE EXTENSÃO HAPPY LUNGS
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.22533/at.ed.7991625120814
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Palavras-chave: Bronquiolite viral aguda; Fisioterapia respiratória; Pediatria; Reabilitação; Saúde pública.
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Keywords: IMPACT OF PHYSIOTHERAPY ON INFANTS WITH BRONCHIOLITIS: A CASE REPORT FROM THE HAPPY LUNGS OUTREACH PROJECT
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Abstract: Introduction: Respiratory diseases are the leading cause of hospitalization among children worldwide, with acute viral bronchiolitis (AVB) standing out as one of the most common. This study aimed to describe the clinical experience of physical therapy students in treating infants diagnosed with Acute Viral Bronchiolitis (AVB) as part of the extension project “Happy Lungs: learning about respiratory health in childhood.” Methods: The care was provided by undergraduate physical therapy students and involved 16 infants aged 0 to 24 months, both in a university clinic and in a hospital setting. The methodology included a detailed clinical assessment using the Wang score to classify symptom severity, followed by the application of evidence-based physiotherapeutic interventions, such as secretion clearance techniques and strategies to improve pulmonary ventilation. The project also involved educating parents and caregivers on home care and warning signs. Results: A significant clinical improvement was observed in all patients treated, with evidence of reduced respiratory distress, decreased coughing, and improved lung auscultation. The intervention proved effective in reducing symptom severity, which may contribute to shorter hospital stays and lower healthcare costs. Qualitative data revealed a positive response from parents and caregivers, who noticed an improvement in their children’s respiratory function. Conclusion: The clinical experience gained through the “Happy Lungs” extension project demonstrates the effectiveness of physical therapy in the treatment of AVB and its role in reducing complications. In addition to providing qualified care to the community, the initiative serves as a key platform for training future healthcare professionals, practically and humanely integrating theoretical knowledge with the demands of Brazil’s Unified Health System (SUS).
- Geovana Fonteque Cirelli
- Julia Carvalho de Oliveira
- Rafaela Maria de Souza