Obstructive Lung Disease: Pathophysiology, Diagnosis, and Management

1. Overview of Obstructive Lung Disease

This chapter will describe the characteristics, causes, and consequences of obstructive lung disease, including musculoskeletal, cognitive, functional mobility, and ADL deficits. This is important for helping clinicians understand the dysfunction and deficits seen in patients with obstructive lung disease and for clinicians to help educate patients on disease prevention.

2. The Pathophysiology of Emphysema, Chronic Bronchitis, Asthma, and Other OLDs

This chapter will explain the specific pathophysiology and progression of emphysema, chronic bronchitis, and asthma. It is important to understand the differences between the obstructive lung diseases, as different interventions may be indicated for each subtype of obstructive lung disease.

3. Diagnostic Testing and Medical Management of Obstructive Lung Disease

This chapter will outline the various diagnostic tests used to diagnose obstructive lung disease and the medical interventions used to treat obstructive lung diseases. It will include instruction on how to determine severity and prognosis of disease. Determinations about appropriate rehabilitation management can be made based on the severity and the medical management of the disease.

4. Physical Therapy Interventions for Obstructive Lung Disease

This chapter will discuss the physical therapy interventions used to treat obstructive lung diseases, including functional mobility training, strengthening exercises, aerobic exercises, airway clearance techniques, and breathing exercises. Strategies to assist with shortness of breath and monitoring needs during therapy sessions will also be discussed.

5. Obstructive Lung Disease Case Study

Information from an obstructive lung disease case study will be discussed to determine appropriate severity, prognosis, and interventions. Application of the information to a case study is important for transfer of knowledge of the didactic material.