Journal de physiothérapie et de réadaptation physique

Introduction: Coronavirus 19 (Covid 19) was first discovered clinically in china in November 2019. Covid 19 causes lungs secondary complications such as pneumonia and in most severe cases, acute respiratory distress syndrome. During the 2009 influenza pandemic, H1N1 virus caused substantial morbidity in patients with cystic fibrosis, and in a subgroup with severe lung disease. H1N1 infection was associated with respiratory deterioration, mechanical ventilation, and even death. People with cystic fibrosis have a phenotypic spectrum ranging from excellent respiratory health to chronic airways disease with productive cough and respiratory compromise. The common known clinical features of Covid 19 such as dry cough, myalgia and fever are quite distinct from the symptoms of cystic fibrosis. Endotracheal intubation might be required when respiratory distress or airway integrity cannot be achieved or maintained for any reason.

Objectives: To highlight the effectiveness of intensive chest physiotherapy intervention in preventing intubation in Covid 19 patient with cystic fibrosis.

Methods: Chest physiotherapy was performed in postural drainage position which included active cycle of breathing three times a day. The outcome was measured by the quantity of the sputum, mode of oxygen support and arterial blood gas analysis pre and post physiotherapy procedures.

Conclusion: The chest physiotherapy aided to prevent intubation through mechanism of clearing retention of secretions in cystic fibrosis patient with Covid 19. These findings highlight the importance of intensive chest physiotherapy in preventing deterioration in respiratory systems in patients with pre-exciting chest condition and Covid 19.