Help DeskHealth and Wellness after SCI/DHealth and Wellness by sub-topicRespiratory management

2.20. Respiratory management

Respiratory Management Following Spinal Cord Injury
This consumer practice guideline is designed to meet the needs of persons with recent onset spinal cord injury whose respiratory function is compromised.  It includes recommendations for assessment, management, monitoring and education. Published by PVA on behalf of the Consortium for Spinal Cord Medicine.
 
The University of Alabama-Birmingham SCI Model System (UAB) provides an InfoSheet that reviews the function of the respiratory system after SCI, complications that can occur and how to prevent them.
 
The UAB Health Education video series on Secondary Conditions offers an 18 minutes video on Respiratory Management. It covers signs and symptoms of and general treatment options for potentially life-threatening conditions such as atelectasis, influenza, pneumonia, pulmonary embolisms, sleep apnea and ventilator use. Discusses Self-Care issues such as Smoking cessation, Congestion, Vaccinations (influenza and pneumonia), and Weight Management. Available for download or watch in streaming Real Media.

Common Respiratory Problems in SCI
SCI Forum Report from Northwest Regional Spinal Cord Injury System discusses management of pneumonia and other breathing difficulties.  It includes information on assisted coughing.
 
The Art of Breathing
An article from Craig Hospital that discusses respiratory problems after spinal cord injury.  The article explains the procedure of 'quad cough' or 'assist cough'.
 
An article from Craig Hospital that describes the problem of sleep apnea including types, risk factors, diagnosis and treatment for individuals with SCI.

Smoking: Lungs, Skin, and Bladder
A pamphlet from Craig Hospital that discusses how smoking is especially harmful to individuals with SCI. Reviews the effects smoking has on the lungs, skin and bladder of a person who already has a compromised respiratory system.
 

See Respiratory Management video in the Health & Wellness chapter of the Video Resource Room Knowledge Book

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