How to Treat Cystic Fibrosis With Bronchial Airway Drainage

Bronchial airway drainage can treat cystic fibrosis using several methods, from coughing to mechanical chest percussors. Bronchial airway drainage techniques can be performed several times a day, often in conjunction with bronchodilators and mucus-thinning drugs. Clearing mucus is essential for reducing the frequency of lung infections and improving the flow of oxygen.

Instructions

1. Treat cystic fibrosis with bronchial airway drainage techniques that use coughing and huffing to clear mucus from the lungs.

2. Practice a combination of active-cycle breathing techniques (ACBT), including breathing-control exercises designed to focus breathing in the lower chest while relaxing the upper chest. Combine breathing-control exercises with thoracic-expansion exercises, wherein a patient holds his breath for 3 seconds while clapping his chest. Breathing-control relaxation exercises can also be combined with the forced-expiration technique (FED) or "huffing."

3. Use CPT to loosen mucus and aid in bronchial airway drainage. CPT consists of several activities, including thumping on the chest and back. This usually requires the assistance of another person, and it may need to be performed at least twice daily for 30 minutes.

4. Use postural drainage methods (part of CPT), wherein the patient changes her physical position and allows gravity to aid in bronchial drainage.

5. Use mechanical devices to conduct CPT and chest percussion, such as an electric chest clapper or a high-frequency chest oscillation device, enabling CF patients to clear bronchial airways unassisted.

6. Loosen mucus with breathing devices, called oscillatory positive expiratory pressure (OPEP) or flutter devices. OPEPs use vibrations created by exhaling into a hand-held device to clear mucus.

7. Clear mucus with Positive Expiratory Pressure (PEP) therapy that opens bronchial airways through the use of a breathing mask or mouthpiece attached to a device that provides resistance.

8. Practice Autogenic Drainage (AD) or self-drainage techniques to clear mucus from smaller bronchial airways to larger ones. During AD, the person varies the length of inhales and exhales. This method is difficult to master and is suggested for people over 8 years old.

Tips & Warnings

• Get regular aerobic exercise to improve bronchial airway drainage.

• Help younger children with manual Chest Physical Therapy (CPT) methods, such as clapping and thumping on the chest and back.

• Consult with a physician before beginning bronchial airway drainage therapy or making changes to your existing program.