Pulmonary Rehabilitation to Increase Cardiorespiratory Function in Bronkhiektasis Post-Tuberculosis Patient: A Case Report

Fuji Mentari Ginting¹, Luluk Qurrota Aini², and Tengku Misdalia²

Abstract

Background: Tuberculosis (TB) remains a global health concern, with 10.6 million cases in 2022. Indonesia accounts for 10% of cases worldwide. Post-TB bronchiectasis, a common complication, causes lasting bronchial damage and respiratory issues. Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR), including reconditioning exercise and airway clearance, is essential for improving patient outcomes. This case report focuses on a rehabilitation program arranged to improve the functional capacity and quality of life (QoL) of post-TB sequelae patients. Case Presentation: A 35-year-old male was referred with hemoptoe, dyspnea, and left chest pain. The patient has completed TB treatment in 2020. After a thorough evaluation, the patient was diagnosed with probable pulmonary mycosis and bronchiectasis, receiving treatment including azithromycin, N-acetylcysteine, and tranexamic acid. The result of a 6-minute walking test (198 meters in distance; 1.92 METs) was used to determine exercise prescription. Hospital-based programs included chest infrared radiation, breathing exercises, and cardiorespiratory endurance training. The intensity was started at 30-50% of HRR, 20-30 minutes in duration, 2x/week, while the home-based one included warming up and walking for 20-30 minutes, 3x/week in between (12-14 RPE). After 8 weeks of PR, the 6-MWT, St. George’s Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) score and QoL were evaluated. The results are shown in Table 1. Exercise intolerance and respiratory symptoms may exist although TB patients have already completed TB treatment as a result of pathophysiological changes of the lung that lead to decreased pulmonary capacity. Conclusion: Pulmonary rehabilitation was beneficial for post-TB bronchiectasis patients with low cardiorespiratory endurance. A comprehensive program improves exercise tolerance, reduces symptoms, and enhances QoL. This study encountered challenges in obtaining specific sources, highlighting the need for further research to deepen and strengthen the existing findings.

Keywords

pulmonary rehabilitation; cardiorespiratory function; bronchiectasis; post-tuberculosis sequelae.

Cite This Article

Ginting, F. M., Aini, L. Q., Misdalia, T. (2025). Pulmonary Rehabilitation to Increase Cardiorespiratory Function in Bronkhiektasis Post-Tuberculosis Patient: A Case Report. International Journal of Scientific Advances (IJSCIA), Volume 6| Issue 1: Jan-Feb 2025, Pages 221-226 URL: https://www.ijscia.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Volume6-Issue1-Jan-Feb-No.844-221-226.pdf

Volume 6 | Issue 1: Jan – Feb 2025