Bronchial asthma Biomechanical and pulmonary changes

In this book the reader will study the pulmonary and biomechanical alterations caused by bronchial asthma. In bronchial asthma, there are fundamental changes in the microarchitecture of the lungs that impair normal lung function. As biomechanical and pulmonary alterations, bronchial obstruction causes pulmonary hyperinflation, blocking the thorax during inspiration, lowering the diaphragmatic hemispheres, resulting in lower abdominal pressure and a reduction in lower thoracic expansibility, leading to a reduction in costal mobility, shortening of the ventilatory muscles and characterising energy-intensive upper thoracic breathing. In addition, functional changes occur throughout the spine, pelvis and knees, modifying the individual's body mechanics. It is therefore necessary to analyse the pulmonary and postural alterations in patients with bronchial asthma in order to maximise treatment and promote early rehabilitation with less energy expenditure.