Ottawa Hospital (The) - The Rehabilitation Centre - Respiratory Rehabilitation for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases

Patients with neuromuscular diseases and spinal cord injuries generally have weak breathing and coughing muscles. The patients breathing status is minimally affected by daily activities until infection is present or the disease becomes more advanced

Preventative airway management measures initiated at an early stage can prevent unnecessary hospital emergency visits and intensive care unit admissions

A comprehensive neuro respiratory assessment performed by a respirologist, respiratory therapist and nurse, determines the therapeutic interventions best suited to improve the patient’s condition * This includes a baseline pulmonary function test, the measurement of the cough efficiency and evaluation of sleep disturbances and/or need for breathing support