Chest physiotherapy in post extubation atelectasis in neonates – A case study

Chest physiotherapy is often used to correct post extubation atelectasis in the neonatal intensive care units. This case study explains the efficacy of carefully administered chest physiotherapy in a 2 day old neonate, who developed post extubation right upper lobe collapse followed by pneumonia. Chest physiotherapy was administered every three hours followed by gentle oral and nasal suction. Chest X ray revealed full expansion of the lung after a day of chest physio physiotherapy.