Abstract
Disease processes can impair ciliary function, alter secretion production and mucus rheology, and interfere with the cough reflex. Airway clearance therapy has been a cornerstone of therapy aimed at minimizing the devastating effects of airway obstruction, infection, and inflammation due to mucus stasis on the conducting airways and lung parenchyma. Although challenges to performing clinical studies evaluating the effectiveness of airway clearance therapeutic modalities exist, resources are available in the literature. In addition to device evaluations and original clinical research, the expert opinion, systematic reviews, and evidence-based practice guidelines can be found. These tools can be used to develop protocols and pathways to guide our practice. Monitoring and reporting patient, process, and financial outcomes are essential steps germane to the implementation of evidence-based care.
- airway clearance devices
- cough
- mucociliary transport
- postural drainage
- active cycle of breathing
- positive expiratory pressure
- oscillatory positive expiratory pressure
- HFCWO
- secretion clearance
Footnotes
- Correspondence: Teresa A Volsko MHHS RRT FAARC, Department of Respiratory Care, Akron Children's Hospital, One Perkins Square, Akron OH 44308. E-mail: tvolsko{at}chmca.org.
Ms Volsko presented a version of this paper at the 28th New Horizons in Respiratory Care Symposium, “The Scientific Basis for Respiratory Care,” at the AARC Congress 2012, held November 10–13, 2012, in New Orleans, Louisiana.
The author has disclosed no conflicts of interest.
- Copyright © 2013 by Daedalus Enterprises
