Airway Clearance–the Cornerstone of Bronchiectasis Management

I switched to the Ombra compressor nebulizing system after noticing that it was consistently prescribed at National Jewish Health, one of the world’s leading lung hospitals.

When working with clients, I often demonstrate my own airway clearance routine but always recommend consulting a respiratory professional whenever possible. Unfortunately, many people don’t have access to specialized care in their communities and must rely on manufacturer inserts, online videos, and our education sessions together.

Dr. Charles Daley, a world-renowned expert on bronchiectasis and NTM disease, recently said:

“The cornerstone of therapy is what is termed airway clearance. Part of the pathophysiology of bronchiectasis is the airways produce too much mucus. The airways get plugged up. That makes people cough, it makes their pulmonary function worsen, and also their risk for infection increase.

So airway clearance, and when we when we talk about that, there are several ways we can improve airway clearance. We can give someone what are called Oscillating PEP valves. These are handheld devices that you breathe (into), and it causes some vibration in the airwaves. It causes some back pressure, and that helps open the airways and shear the thicker mucus, so so the patient can get it out. My favorite is the Aerobika used in tandem with the Aeroeclipse nebulizing cup.
​
There are other things we can do. We can give them inhaled hypertonic saline, which can thin the mucus. Vests are (what) people wear that also vibrate and can help break up the mucus.

So there’s different approaches. In the exact way we do it varies from patient to patient. One may be on one of those, one may be on all of those.”

Let’s remember airway clearance isn’t one-size-fits-all—it requires the right tools and techniques for each person. When specialized care isn’t available, education and the right resources empower people to take charge of their lung health.


www.letsbecleartoday.com

BE CLEAR has a consulting relationship with Monaghan Medical