At Xavier, our physiotherapists know that breathing well is the foundation for health, energy, and participation in everyday life. For children with complex disability and health needs, keeping the lungs healthy can be more challenging — but also more important — because difficulties with movement and posture can increase the risk of chest infections, hospital admissions and, in some cases, reduced life expectancy.

That’s why we’re working closely with the Queensland Children’s Hospital on new respiratory health programs designed to support children who are at higher risk of respiratory illness. Our aim is to give families practical strategies to reduce risks, improve respiratory strength, and help reduce hospital admissions for issues related to respiratory health.

Why respiratory health matters

The respiratory system’s job is to bring oxygen into the body and remove carbon dioxide. It also helps protect against germs, supports speech and gives children the energy to move, play and learn. When the system isn’t working well, children may experience fatigue, frequent illness, or difficulty taking part in daily activities.

Recognising risk factors

Children with complex disability and associated health needs may be more vulnerable to respiratory illness. Some of the common risk factors include:

• Mobility challenges: needing support to hold head or body posture.
• Swallowing difficulties (dysphagia): risk of food, drink or saliva entering the lungs.
• Aspiration: when food, drink, or saliva “goes down the wrong way”, sometimes this happens silently without coughing.
• History of illness: recent hospital admissions or repeated antibiotics for chest infections.
• Other health issues: seizures, reflux, frequent coughing, mealtime breathing problems, or nightly snoring.

Recognising these risks early allows families and clinicians to act before serious illness develops.

How physiotherapy helps

Xavier physiotherapists support children and families to build respiratory health and reduce risk through:

• Airway clearance techniques: helping carers learn safe ways to clear secretions.
• Promoting physical activity: encouraging movement and play that promote deep breathing and stronger lungs. Activities like swimming, breathing games, and simple exercises can help.
• Optimising nutrition: working with dietitians to ensure children have the strength to breathe effectively and fight infections.
• Family education: supporting parents to monitor signs, manage risk factors, and know when to seek help.

Working together for better outcomes

The respiratory health support programme we are developing with Queensland Children’s Hospital is designed for children at the highest risk of chest infections and hospitalisation. This collaboration will bring structured care pathways, measurable outcomes, and better support for families.

By focusing on respiratory health, we can help children maintain energy, reduce hospital stays, and participate more fully in the things they enjoy.

Practical tips for families

• Encourage daily activity: swimming (or moving in water), wheelchair-based exercises, or other movements can help strengthen the lungs and support overall respiratory health.
• Monitor risk factors: note coughing, choking, snoring, or frequent illnesses and share with your physiotherapist or doctor.
• Learn airway clearance techniques: your physiotherapist can teach safe ways to clear secretions at home.
• Nutrition matters: good nutrition helps build strength for breathing and fighting infections. Consult a dietitian if needed.
• Vaccinations and dental care: keep immunisations up to date and maintain oral hygiene to support overall respiratory health.
• Create a smoke-free environment: avoid exposing your child to tobacco smoke.

Learn more

To find out more about our respiratory health support, email intake@xavier.org.au

References

• Gibson, N., Blackmore, A. M., Chang, A. B., Cooper, M. S., Jaffe, A., Kong, W. R., Langdon, K., Moshovis, L., Pavleski, K., & Wilson, A. C. (2021). Prevention and management of respiratory disease in young people with cerebral palsy: consensus statement. Developmental Medicine and Child Neurology, 63(2), 172–182.
• Rosenbaum, P., & Gorter, J. W. (2012). The ‘F-words’ in childhood disability: I swear this is how we should think! Child: Care, Health and Development, 38(4), 457–463.