Effect of Prolonged Slow Expiration Technique on Blood Gases Among Pneumatic Neonates

Effect of Prolonged Slow Expiration Technique on Blood Gases Among Neonates With Pneumonia

Pneumonia is a medical condition that, if not treated promptly, can lead to life- threatening complications. The prolonged slow expiration technique is a new type of chest physiotherapy that helps infants discharge bronchial secretions which accumulated due to pneumonia.

Pneumonia is an infective lung condition that is one of the most common risk factors for neonatal death. Pulmonary infections, most common caused by anaerobic bacterial infection, result in the accumulation of pus in the pleural cavity. Preterms, neonates with respiratory infections, and underdeveloped lungs all require the use of a prolonged slow expiration technique.

Prolonged slow expiration technique is the only chest clearance technique that provides both effective clearance and a soothing effect. Another recommendation for this technique is lack of application of emerging techniques of respiratory physiotherapy. Although the technique is effective, it is rarely in practice over the conventional methods of chest physiotherapy.

During prolonged slow expiration, intrathoracic pressure gradually rises due to thoracoabdominal compression, preventing bronchial collapse and flow disruption that occurs during forced expirations.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age since birth till 2 months
• Clinical findings of pneumonia: tachypnea, chest recession, fever, cyanosis and cough
• Radiological diagnosis of pneumonia (x-ray): lober or segmental consolidation, nodular or coarse patchy infiltration, diffuse haziness and air bronchogram.
• Neonates on oxygen therapy.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Neonates with congenital cardiopathy.
• Neonates with surgical incision in thorax or abdomen.
• Neonates with neurological intervention.
• Neonates with obstruction of upper air way.
• Neonates with gastroesophageal reflux and laryngeal affection.