To show the organization of the course that includes this module, follow this link:  Course organization

Learning outcomes

The aim is to provide the student with fundamental knowledge regarding the main diseases and morbid conditions of the respiratory system that can be the subject of physiotherapy and rehabilitation or may interfere with it.
At the end of the course the student must therefore be in possession of the essential knowledge for the recognition of the main morbid conditions of the respiratory system, and will need to know how to describe and understand the symptoms, the main diagnostic methods and the fundamental aspects of therapy, with particular regard to the rationale and methods of the intervention of rehabilitation and physiotherapy

Program

Pulmonary function tests
The parameters measured with the maneuvers of slow and forced vital capacity
Functional residual capacity and residual volume
The alveolar-capillary diffusion of CO
Interpretation and significance of the main respiratory dysfunctional frameworks: the concept of normality related to respiratory function parameters, obstructive and restrictive defect

The pivotal symptom in respiratory medicine: dyspnea
Definition
Pathophysiological mechanisms
Measurement methods
Treatment

Bronchial Asthma and COPD
Definition
Risk Factors and pathogenetic mechanisms
The main anatomical alterations
Pathophysiology of the flow limitation in asthma and COPD
Main clinical symptoms
Instrumental and Laboratory diagnosis
Treatment (Overview)

The Pleura
Physiology and pathophysiology of pleural space
Pleuritis and pleural effusion
Pneumothorax

Lung neoplasm
Epidemiology and Risk Factors
The most common hystological forms
The symptoms in relation to the localization of the neoplasm (central or peripheral)
Paraneoplastic syndromes (Overview)
Solitary pulmonary nodule
Diagnostic methods
Surgical treatment (Overview)

Respiratory failure
Definition
Mechanisms underlying the abnormal gas exchange
The transport of oxygen to the periphery
Main methods of diagnosis: Hemogas analysis and Oximetry
Classification

Treatment of respiratory insufficiency
1. Oxygen Therapy
Indiications
Administration Tools (Cannulas and masks)
Methods for administration and monitoring
Choice of the Instrument of Administration and monitoring in the two main forms of insufficiency (hypoxic and hypoxic-hypercapnic)
2. Mechanical Ventilation (Overview)

Respiratory rehabilitation
Definition and main components of rehabilitation intervention
Physical exercise as a fundamental intervention in respiratory rehabilitation
Typology and methods for exercise in patients with respiratory diseases

Examination Methods

The exam is unique.
The examination of diseases of the respiratory system consists of a written part (85% questions answered closed, 15% questions answered open) and an oral interview.