Paediatric Respiratory Physiotherapy

Respiratory physiotherapy is provided at Lumi Kids when requested by a paediatric respiratory physician or treating specialist.

It is delivered as part of a medically guided care plan for children who require support with airway clearance, breathing or activity tolerance.

Who this service may support

Respiratory physiotherapy may be recommended for children with:

  • Bronchiectasis

  • Chronic wet or productive cough

  • Recurrent chest infections

  • Chronic respiratory conditions requiring airway clearance support

  • Reduced activity tolerance associated with a respiratory condition

If a child presents with respiratory symptoms without an existing specialist management plan, medical review will be recommended before physiotherapy begins.

What physiotherapy may involve

When requested by the child’s respiratory team, physiotherapy may include:

  • Education and training in airway clearance techniques

  • Support with home airway-clearance routines

  • Assessment of breathing patterns and chest movement

  • Positioning strategies to assist secretion clearance

  • Review of exercise and activity tolerance

  • Guidance for integrating respiratory care into daily routines

Collaborative care

Respiratory physiotherapy at Lumi Kids forms part of a multidisciplinary care plan.

This may involve collaboration with:

  • Paediatric respiratory physicians

  • Paediatricians

  • Hospital respiratory teams

  • Nurses

  • Families and caregivers

  • Other treating health professionals

The child’s specialist remains responsible for diagnosis and medical management. Physiotherapy supports the agreed respiratory care plan.

Airway clearance techniques

Depending on the child’s age, needs and medical recommendations, techniques may include:

  • Bubble Positive Expiratory Pressure therapy

  • Positive Expiratory Pressure devices

  • Modified gravity-assisted drainage positioning

  • Active breathing techniques

  • Exercise-based airway clearance

  • Inspiratory muscle training in selected older children or adolescents

All techniques are introduced in consultation with the child’s medical and respiratory team.

Further reading

Bubble PEP
Great Ormond Street Hospital

Paediatric respiratory physiotherapy resources
CF Physio for Kids

Bronchiectasis education and airway-clearance guidance
Bronchiectasis Australia

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