# Novelty of Physiotherapy Management in a Classic Case of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease in an 84-Year-Old Male Patient with Hypertension and Well-Controlled Hypothyroidism: A Case Report

**Authors:** Radha Nangliya, Vaishnavi Yadav, Sojwal P Nandanwar

PMC · DOI: 10.7759/cureus.57318 · Cureus · 2024-03-31

## TL;DR

This case report shows how physiotherapy helped an elderly man with COPD, hypertension, and hypothyroidism improve his breathing and daily functioning.

## Contribution

The paper presents a novel physiotherapy approach tailored for an elderly COPD patient with comorbidities.

## Key findings

- Physiotherapy improved dyspnea grading and thoracic excursion in the patient.
- The rehabilitation program enhanced the patient's exercise tolerance and daily activities.
- Sustained benefits were observed post-rehabilitation with reduced breathlessness.

## Abstract

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) often coexists with hypertension and hypothyroidism, posing challenges in management. Physiotherapy is crucial for improving respiratory function and quality of life in COPD patients. This case report details the physiotherapy management of an 84-year-old male with COPD, hypertension, and well-controlled hypothyroidism. The patient presented with worsening cough, breathlessness, and barrel chest. Diagnostic investigations confirmed COPD with respiratory alkalosis, hypoxemia, and well-controlled hypothyroidism. Pharmaceutical management was initiated alongside intensive physiotherapy interventions. A two-week rehabilitation program was tailored to the patient's COPD condition. It included deep breathing exercises, relaxation techniques, and aerobic activities to improve respiratory function and exercise tolerance. Physiotherapy sessions focused on patient education with medical treatment. Significant improvements were noted in dyspnea grading, perceived exertion rate, and thoracic excursion post-rehabilitation. Follow-up assessments showed sustained benefits with improved daily activities and reduced dyspnea. This case underscores the efficacy of multidisciplinary management, highlighting the essential role of physiotherapy in optimizing outcomes for COPD patients with comorbidities.

## Linked entities

- **Diseases:** chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (MONDO:0005002), hypothyroidism (MONDO:0005420)

## Full-text entities

- **Diseases:** cough (MESH:D003371), COPD (MESH:D029424), breathlessness (MESH:D004417), Hypothyroidism (MESH:D007037), chest (MESH:D013898), hypoxemia (MESH:D000860), Hypertension (MESH:D006973), respiratory alkalosis (MESH:D000472)
- **Species:** Homo sapiens (human, species) [taxon 9606]

## Full text

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## Figures

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## References

20 references — full list in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC11060019/full.md

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Source: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC11060019