Multimodal Physiotherapy for Chronic Bronchitis with Prior Pulmonary Tuberculosis: A Case Report

Abstract

Background: Chronic bronchitis is characterized by chronic cough and sputum production and is not synonymous with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Respiratory physiotherapy may address respiratory symptoms and secretion management. 
Objective: To describe clinical findings and short-term changes after multimodal physiotherapy in an older adult with chronic bronchitis and prior treated pulmonary tuberculosis. 
Methods: This single case report involved an 82-year-old man treated at Balai Besar Kesehatan Paru Masyarakat Makassar. The 2025 episode comprised 12 reported sessions from 24 November to 5 December and included pursed lip breathing, deep breathing, huffing, chest mobility exercise, microwave diathermy, and manual therapy. Paired pre and post data were available for Modified Borg score, peripheral oxygen saturation, and respiratory rate. Spirometry dated 21 July 2025 was treated as contemporaneous clinical information. 
Results: Modified Borg score decreased from 0.5 to 0, resting SpO₂ increased from 98% to 100%, and respiratory rate changed from 20 to 22 breaths/min. Spirometry showed FVC 0.90 L (34.40% predicted), FEV₁ 0.83 L (42.84% predicted), and FEV₁/FVC 91.69%. The preserved ratio with reduced FVC indicated a possible restrictive or nonspecific pattern. 
Conclusion: Small short-term changes in dyspnea score and resting SpO₂ were observed in this single case. The findings are descriptive and cannot establish treatment effectiveness, individual component effects, or generalizability.