Airway clearance therapy

Airway clearance therapy (ACT) is a set of techniques and treatments used to help clear mucus and other secretions from the airways of the lungs. This therapy is particularly important for individuals with chronic respiratory diseases such as cystic fibrosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and bronchiectasis.

Techniques

There are several techniques used in airway clearance therapy, including:

• Chest physiotherapy (CPT): This involves manual percussion and vibration of the chest to help loosen mucus.
• Postural drainage: This technique uses gravity to help drain mucus from different parts of the lungs.
• Positive expiratory pressure (PEP) therapy: This involves breathing out against a resistance to help keep the airways open and move mucus.
• High-frequency chest wall oscillation (HFCWO): This uses a mechanical vest that vibrates at high frequencies to help loosen and mobilize mucus.
• Autogenic drainage: A technique that involves controlled breathing to clear mucus.
• Active cycle of breathing techniques (ACBT): A series of breathing exercises designed to clear mucus.

Indications

Airway clearance therapy is indicated for patients with conditions that lead to excessive mucus production or impaired mucus clearance, including:

• Cystic fibrosis
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Bronchiectasis
• Primary ciliary dyskinesia
• Neuromuscular diseases that affect respiratory function

Benefits

The benefits of airway clearance therapy include:

• Improved lung function
• Reduced respiratory infections
• Enhanced quality of life
• Decreased hospitalization rates

Devices

Several devices are used to aid in airway clearance therapy, including:

• Flutter valve
• Acapella device
• Intrapulmonary percussive ventilation (IPV) devices
• Mechanical insufflation-exsufflation devices

Considerations

When selecting an airway clearance technique or device, factors such as the patient's age, disease severity, and personal preference should be considered. It is also important to receive proper training from a healthcare professional to ensure the techniques are performed correctly.

See also

• Respiratory therapy
• Pulmonology
• Respiratory system
• Mucus
• Lung diseases