BE CLEAR with Bronchiectasis
  • Home
  • Book
  • Consultations
  • Blog
  • Resources
  • Newsletter & Contact
  • FREE ongoing support and education

Airway Clearance

5/18/2022

0 Comments

 
Picture
When it comes to learning airway clearance, NOTHING is better than professional guidance. The problem is respiratory therapists (physios) who specialize in airway clearance techniques, are difficult to find, even where I live in New York City. But, when I found someone, that one session gave me the confidence to begin a daily habit that I will have for the rest of my life. 

I’ve since had additional sessions as I continue to learn more and try different approaches. What might work for us today, might not yield the same results in a year or two. And sometimes we just need a tune-up. 

There are many doctors around the world, both primary care and lung specialists who are not well-versed in airway clearance. But it is my hope that through online education and support groups, we will all understand the importance of keeping our airways clear and will seek out the care we need. It might mean having to raise the subject of services and equipment with your medical team, if they don’t offer those options. 

Here’s a great analogy to use with your doctor regarding the importance of airway clearance. According to Dr. Pamela McShane, one of the top BE/NTM professionals in the US, we should think of removing mucus from our lungs the way we think of flossing our teeth. We floss even when there doesn’t appear to be anything there, but it breaks up any bacteria biofilm present and is a good habit to have. That is how we can think of trying to remove mucus. We are breaking up biofilm in our lungs. 

Educate. Advocate. Stay committed.

#bronchiectasis #copd #maclungdisease #ntmlungdisease #airwayclearance

 


0 Comments

Your comment will be posted after it is approved.


Leave a Reply.

    Author

    Linda Cooper Esposito, MPH is a health educator with bronchiectasis. She developed the BE CLEAR Method to Living with Bronchiectasis and writes with compassion  and humor about this chronic lung disease.

    Archives

    August 2023
    July 2023
    June 2023
    May 2023
    April 2023
    March 2023
    February 2023
    January 2023
    December 2022
    November 2022
    September 2022
    August 2022
    July 2022
    June 2022
    May 2022
    February 2022
    November 2021
    September 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020

    Categories

    All

    RSS Feed

Click on the social media buttons below to get better acquainted and stay in touch!

  • Home
  • Book
  • Consultations
  • Blog
  • Resources
  • Newsletter & Contact
  • FREE ongoing support and education