Vitebsk medics offer a program for patient recovery after pneumonia
As a reminder, previously, Vitebsk medical scientists, at the request of the Committee for Labor, Employment, and Social Protection of the Regional Executive Committee, conducted online classes for elderly residents of the region who were forced into self-isolation due to the rise in ARVI incidence, including coronavirus infection.
Now, another category of the population requires attention – those who have already had pneumonia. For them, VSMU rehabilitation specialists have developed a comprehensive set of measures, implemented in cooperation with colleagues from Vitebsk polyclinics. They are also ready to share their developments in breathing exercises with district centers. Furthermore, video materials on special breathing exercises have been recorded and are available on the university's official YouTube channel and will be posted on the polyclinics' websites.
The city center for hypobaric therapy and baroclimatic adaptation, based at Vitebsk City Hospital No. 1, has actively joined the process. Specialists have over 20 years of experience in treating bronchopulmonary pathologies and will now also assist in recovery after pneumonia, including that caused by COVID-19. This week, the first group of such patients, referred from Vitebsk polyclinics, has been formed and has begun their course. The head of the center, Alla Nikolaeva, shared how their rehabilitation is organized, how hypobarotherapy helps, and what is important to do after the illness.
– After pneumonia, there is a risk of developing various complications, including severe fibrosis – changes in the lung tissue itself, – says Alla Genrikhovna. – Our task is to help the patient "breathe again" with the help of breathing exercises and barotherapy, so to speak, to stimulate various systems and thereby help the body recover.
The barochamber is a unique device; there is a similar installation in the republic only in Minsk. Externally, it resembles an airplane. "On board," conditions are created similar to those at an altitude of up to 2.5 thousand meters above sea level, where the oxygen content decreases to 16-18% (at sea level, its concentration is 20.9%). Thus, the "passenger" experiences moderate hypoxia, which in turn triggers a number of protective and adaptive reactions.
– The respiratory system is stimulated. In conditions of oxygen deficiency, a person begins to breathe deeper, small blood vessels open, thereby improving gas exchange in the lungs. Barotherapy also promotes the formation of red blood cells, which are responsible for oxygen transport. In addition to restoring the lungs' configuration, bringing them closer to their pre-pneumonia state, this technique improves blood circulation, stabilizes hormonal balance and immunity, has a beneficial effect on the nervous system, and builds the body's resistance to stress, which is especially relevant during the pandemic when people are prone to fear, anxiety, and worried thoughts, – the specialist is confident.
The "flight," which lasts 90 minutes, is controlled by a technician at the control panel located outside. A healthcare professional monitors the well-being of patients inside the cabin, as well as for half an hour after the session. Temperature, respiratory rate, pulse, and blood pressure are constantly monitored. By the way, this technique is universal and suitable for both children and adults. Contraindications are rare, including third-degree respiratory failure and age over 65, when the body's reserve capacity is low.
The center observes precautionary measures mandated by the current epidemiological situation. For instance, groups are limited to 5-8 people (although the hyperbaric chamber's capacity allows for nearly twice that number), seating arrangements account for social distancing, and the hyperbaric chamber and chamber hall are regularly disinfected and subjected to UV irradiation.
For rehabilitation inquiries, please consult your local physician to arrange online consultations with department staff, breathing exercises, and the procedure for referral to the hyperbaric chamber. Following a consultation with a barotherapist, indications and contraindications, as well as adaptation regimens, will be determined.
A comprehensive approach is crucial in rehabilitation, as in all aspects of recovery. For example, individuals recovering from pneumonia should perform breathing exercises. Alla Nikolaeva recommends starting with exercises for prolonged exhalation (inflatable balloons, a straw with a glass of water can be used as trainers; children can use whistles). It is equally important to learn diaphragmatic breathing (belly breathing) with a long exhalation. The doctor also advises practicing breath-holding. All these exercises are quite simple and can be performed by anyone while sitting at home on the couch.
Nutrition plays a significant role.
– The lungs contain surfactant, which is 90% fat. Therefore, in cases of lung pathologies, the diet should primarily consist of fats and proteins, rather than carbohydrates, as is often the case. Thus, the menu must include meat, eggs, beans, peas, butter, and milk (preferably high-fat), fermented dairy products (ryazhenka is preferable), cereals (buckwheat, millet, pearl barley),” advises the rehabilitation specialist.
It is important to give up bad habits: alcohol and tobacco destroy surfactant.
Physical activity is also an essential condition for recovery.
– In my practice, I often observe patients with neck problems, and the phrenic nerve passes through it. The nutrition of the respiratory center is also related to the posterior cranial fossa. Therefore, neck problems provoke a deterioration of blood supply, breathing, and oxygen supply. Hence the complaints of dizziness and blood pressure. In this regard, I strongly recommend everyone to monitor their posture. Of course, it is difficult to change a posture formed over decades, but it is necessary to periodically straighten your shoulders, breathe deeply, and do at least three exercises a day for the neck (smooth turns from side to side, up – down, circular movements, etc.) – this is the minimum that will improve well-being and strengthen health at any age, – believes Alla Nikolaeva.
All these recommendations are essentially applicable to every person who wants to strengthen their body. Breathing exercises are generally strengthening. For example, it is believed that holding your breath 30 times a day for a minute prolongs life by 15 years. Systematic breathing practices, physical exercises, and proper nutrition, according to the rehabilitation specialist, will help maintain active longevity.