Physiotherapist Awareness in the Community During the COVID-19 Pandemic Process

COVID-19 is an infectious disease that affects the respiratory system caused by the new SARS-Cov-2 corona virus, which originated in Wuhan, China, in late 2019. On January 30, 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared it is an epidemic, and on March 11, 2020, it was described as a COVID-19 pandemic.

Respiratory problems such as fever (89%), cough (68%), fatigue (38%), phlegm production (34%) and/or shortness of breath (19%) may be considered as the primary symptoms seen in individuals with COVID-19 . Other rare symptoms include hemoptiziness, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, muscle pain, headache, odor or taste disorder, conjunctivitis, and confusion. Complications common due to COVID-19 include acute respiratory distress syndrome, acute kidney damage, anemia, heart failure and secondary infection. The most common cause of death was reported to be multiple organ dysfunction syndrome followed by cardiac arrest, respiratory failure, and acute respiratory distress syndrome.

Symptoms seen in COVID-19 fall within the scope of pulmonary rehabilitation. Pulmonary rehabilitation provides benefits for all patients who suffer from any chronic respiratory disease, have reduced lung function, are symptomatic and have exertion intolerance, despite an optimal pharmacological treatment. The importance of rehabilitation after COVID-19 is emphasized according to the International Classification of Functionality, Disability and Health.

Recent reports indicated that 80% of cases were asymptomatic or mild, 15% severe (oxygen required infection) and 5% were critical (respiratory and life support). Intensive care unit (ICU) admission rates are approximately 5%. Oxygen therapy is required in approximately 42% of hospitalized patients.

Hospitalized COVID-19 patients often have comorbidities such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes and have long hospital stays. Some COVID-19 patients have physical impairments that can be exacerbated by prolonged inactivity, including muscle weakness, neurological disorder and/or malnutrition. In-hospital rehabilitation is proposed to tackle these problems and solve them.