Coughing to clear the lungs of congestion is fundamental for patients with obstructive lung disorders, neuromuscular diseases and restrictive airway disorders. Such coughs are associated with COPD, bronchitis, viral and bacterial types of pneumonia, cystic fibrosis, occupational lung disease and many other respiratory conditions. If left untreated, the buildup of mucus can lead to serious infections. So what is coughing and how can the hand-held Electro Flo 5000 Airway Clearance System ensure that patients get the specific relief they seek?
Bronchiectasis
Bronchiectasis is a disease that causes the airways or bronchial tubes of the lungs to widen and become flabby. It is caused by infections or other conditions that destroy the smooth muscles surrounding the bronchial tubes and prevents the airways from clearing mucus. The goal of treatment for bronchiectasis is to control the secretions and prevent infections.
Treatment For Neuromuscular Disease
Neuromuscular diseases are rare conditions affecting the nerves that control voluntary or involuntary muscles. This group of diseases may be genetic and present at birth or acquired later in life. Most treatments for neuromuscular disease are aimed at minimizing the symptoms and improving a person’s quality of life rather than seeking a cure. Neuromuscular disease includes among others, MUSCULAR DYSTROPHY, MYASTHENIA GRAVIS, and AMYOTROPHIC LATERAL SCLEROSIS also known as ALS or Lou Gehrig’s disease. Neuromuscular disease includes a broad spectrum of illnesses that may require treatment for relief in breathing.
Respiratory Care
RESPIRATORY CARE Choices for Cystic Fibrosis Patients and Respiratory Therapists
Cystic Fibrosis is characterized by thickened mucus, chronic infection and inflammation of the airways. Patients with this disease engage in daily respiratory therapy. Effective respiratory care can vary widely, depending on the needs of the individual.
Chest Percussion
Chest Percussion is used to treat individuals with cystic fibrosis (CF) and other lung diseases such as bronchitis, pneumonia, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) who are in need of airway clearance. Among CF patients, chest percussion helps to break up thick secretions created by the disease that can hinder breathing and lead to respiratory infections.
Cystic Fibrosis Treatment.
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is an inherited disease with a wide range of symptoms that affect everything from how well the lungs, digestive system, and sweat glands function, to fertility. The name “cystic fibrosis” comes from the fibrous scaring that develops in the pancreas. CF causes thick mucus to be secreted by the lungs and pancreas that blocks passageways, making it difficult to clear pathogens that lead to chronic pulmonary infections and inflammation.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Treatment
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a leading cause of death worldwide, and is becoming increasingly common as the population ages. It is now the third leading cause of death in the United States. Understanding the problem is critical to determining the best therapy for treating the disease. COPD consists of a group of lung diseases that block airflow, making it difficult for a person to breathe. The two main conditions associated with COPD are emphysema and bronchitis.
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Chest Percussion versus Vest Therapy for Treating Cystic Fibrosis – a Stanford Study
Patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) performing airway clearance (AC) daily to remove secretions are faced with a broad array of devices and techniques to aid in this process and little to guide them in making an informed choice. Two of the most common approaches are chest percussion and use of high frequency chest wall compression (HFCWP) vests. Until recently, there has been very little evidence to indicate that one technique is superior to the other. However, recent research conducted at the Stanford University Cystic Fibrosis Center in Palo Alto, California (http://cfcenter.stanford.edu) offers significant insights.
Occupational Lung Disease
Occupational lung disease is a term used for a wide range of diseases caused by repeated exposure to harmful particles, gases, vapors or chemicals. The term occupational lung disease covers a number of conditions that affect different parts of the lungs. Occupational lung diseases include occupational asthma that affects the airways, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) that refers to narrowing of the airways, occupational alveolitis that involves the air sacs of the lungs, occupational lung cancer, and occupational conditions affecting the lining of the lungs.