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Airway Clearance Therapy

Excess of Mucus in Airways1 

With COPD, the airways become swollen and obstructed, this has an impact on mucus production and clearance which has severe consequences. Excess mucus can prevent proper airflow and reduce lung function and health. This creates an environment for bacterial growth and airways infection in addition to ongoing symptoms. It becomes more difficult to clear excess mucus, which leads to increased coughing, airway inflammation and damage. This leads to an increased risk of respiratory infections, poor quality of life, increased flareups and hospitalizations. 

To help loosen and clear this excess mucus from the airways, an effective and drug-free solution may be airway clearance therapy.  

 

Clearing the Airways using Airway Clearance Therapy1 

Airway clearance therapy is a drug-free disease management option to clear excess mucus in the airways and improve breathing. Handheld devices such as positive expiratory pressure (PEP) devices like the Aerobika* device. These devices provide resistance when you breathe out and help the cilia move the mucus.  

The Aerobika* device works by creating pulses of pressure in the lungs when breathing into the device. These pulses of pressure can help open weak airways and produce vibrations that thin and loosen mucus. This naturally helps mucus be cleared from airways and improves breathing.  

 

Learn Techniques to clear Mucus/Sputum

If you are producing excess mucus, different techniques like deep breathing & Huff cough may help you clear the excess mucus.

Devices like the AEROBIKA* OPEP device are simple hand-held drug free devices, which could help to clear the mucus/sputum.4

References:

1. Health Insight. Experiencing Mucus and Chest Congestion? Help Clear your Airways [Internet]. Health Insight. 2022. Available from: https://www.healthinsight.ca/wellness/lung-health/experiencing-mucus-an…