What is hyperinflation in respiratory therapy?

Hyperinflation therapy (HIT) is a very common therapy performed on patients who are suffering from some sort of respiratory distress. The therapy involves applying volumes greater than normal to reinflate the collapsed alveoli in the lungs.

Should I worry about hyperinflated lungs?

Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) often have some degree of hyperinflation of the lungs. Hyperinflated lungs can produce significant detrimental effects on breathing, as highlighted by improvements in patient symptoms after lung volume reduction surgery.

What is bilateral hyperinflation?

Answer From Eric J. Olson, M.D. Hyperinflated lungs occur when air gets trapped in the lungs and causes them to overinflate. Hyperinflated lungs can be caused by blockages in the air passages or by air sacs that are less elastic, which interferes with the expulsion of air from the lungs.

How does hyperinflation affect lung compliance?

Conventionally, lung hyperinflation is said to exist when the total lung capacity (TLC) is >120% of the predicted value. Marked elevation of the TLC usually means that increased lung compliance, as a result of emphysema, is a primary determinant of lung hyperinflation.

What causes pulmonary hyperinflation?

Hyperinflated lungs occur when air gets trapped in the lungs and causes them to overinflate. Hyperinflated lungs can be caused by blockages in the air passages or by air sacs that are less elastic, which interferes with the expulsion of air from the lungs.

Is hyperinflated lungs always COPD?

Hyperinflated lungs can be caused by blockages in the air passages or by air sacs that are less elastic, which interferes with the expulsion of air from the lungs. Hyperinflated lungs are often seen in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) — a disorder that includes emphysema.

What causes hyperinflated lungs besides COPD?

Hyperinflated lungs are often seen in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) — a disorder that includes emphysema. Certain lung problems, such as asthma and cystic fibrosis, also can cause hyperinflation.

How can hyperinflation be reduced?

Dynamic hyperinflation can be reduced by either improving airflow during expiration or by reducing the rate of breathing to increase the time for expiration. Bronchodilators and heliox decrease airflow resistance, allowing more rapid airflow during expiration.

What causes dynamic hyperinflation?

Dynamic hyperinflation develops when there is expiratory air-flow limitation in the face of decreased time for exhalation. Expiratory flow is determined by airway resistance and driving pressure for air movement (which is the difference between mouth and alveolar pressure).

What is perihilar infiltrates?

Perihilar Infiltrates Meaning, Symptoms, Causes, Treatment. Perihilar infiltrates is a condition in which any foreign substance gets stuck in perihilar region of lungs. Perihilar is the region which joins hilar I.e. roots of lungs with lungs.

What is hyperinflation of the lungs?

With every breath you take and exhale, your lungs inflate and deflate. But in cases of hyperinflation, the lungs enlarge more than they should with each inhalation. With every exhalation, the lungs do not deflate as much as they should. The expanded lungs, then, become larger than healthy lungs—but they do not have enough space for all that air.

What does perihilar interstitial prominence with no focal consolidation mean?

Hello, what does perihilar interstitial prominence, with no focal consolidation, effusion, or pneumothorax mean in simple terms thank you? Nothing significant: This is often the wording used when the x-ray was not taken during a very deep breath, which is how most are meant to be captured.

What are the treatment options for hyperinflation of the bronchi?

Medication can help with airway management. Lung volume reduction surgery is another approach and is an option in selected cases. Medications used to widen the bronchi can help reduce lung hyperinflation. Long-acting bronchodilators work by expanding the bronchi for a sustained period of time.