DISEASES OF THE RESPIRATORY APPARATUS
Learning outcomes of the course unit
By the end of the course Students are expected to have acquired in-depth knowledge of the functioning of the respiratory system and of its alterations due to various types of diseases; they should have learned respiratory function investigative methods in order to assess existing functional damage and the results of the respiratory physiokinetic therapy; they should be able to recognise the symptoms of the main respiratory diseases, the indications and contraindications of physiokinetic therapy and the role of the physiotherapist in the approach to the pulmonary patient.
Prerequisites
Students must have passed the examinations of the previous year of the course.
Course contents summary
General functions of the respiratory system
Ventilation, perfusion, pulmonary diffusion.
Gas exchanges and acid-base balance.
Spirometry and flow-volume curve.
Oximetry and walking-test.
Pulmonary obstructive diseases: bronchial asthma, chronic bronchitis, emphysema.
Bronchiectasis and cystic fibrosis.
Diseases of the pleural cavity: pleuritis, pneumothorax and empyema.
Pneumonia and pulmonary tuberculosis.
Lung neoplasms.
Respiratory insufficiency.
Recommended readings
L. SALA: "Fisiochinesiterapia respiratoria" Piccin editore; Padova.
A. BELLONE: "Riabilitazione respiratoria". MIDIA Edizioni - Monza.
A. BRIVIO, M. LAZZERI, G. OLUVA. E. ZAMPOGNA: " La disostruzione bronchiale". MASSON editore - Milano.
