[Respiratory therapy in childhood asthma. Part 1 (author's transl)].

The therapeutic approach in childhood asthma can be substantially supported by various forms of respiratory therapy. Objective improvements and increased well-being have been demonstrated by different authors. The physiology of correct and defective breathing are outlined briefly. The major aim of respiratory therapy is the return to normal breathing patterns including normalized clearing functions of the lung. If successful even moderately severe attacks of bronchial asthma may be averted. Personality changes in the form of increased self-confidence and loss of fear of dyspnoea are important. Part 1 outlines physicial treatment forms such as postural drainage and percussions of the chest.