Airway Clearance
Objectives:
At the end of the session, the participant will have:
- Increased knowledge of the role and function of sputum and the mucociliary pathway in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
- Increased ability to recognise the signs and symptoms of a chest infection.
- Increased understanding of airway clearance techniques with an emphasis on independent techniques.
Facilitator:
This session may be facilitated by a physiotherapist.
Topic | Content | Resources |
|---|---|---|
| Introduction to the role of sputum. | Function of sputum. Sputum in COPD. | Better Living with COPD (Ch 13). |
| How to recognise a chest infection. | Signs and symptoms of an infective exacerbation. | Signs and symptoms of chest infection. |
| Sputum expectoration (airway clearance). | Active cycle of breathing technique (ACBT) or forced expiration technique (FET). Risks and precautions with techniques. | Demonstration of ACBT and FET. ACBT and FET flowchart. |
| Role of humidification. | Shower. Nebuliser. | Nebuliser. |
| Other sputum expectoration techniques. | Mucolytics. Manual techniques. Gravity assisted drainage. Positive expiratory pressure (PEP) – mask / mouthpiece. Oscillating PEP. Role of exercise | PEP devices – Mask / mouthpiece. – Flutter VRP1. – Acapella. |
| Summary and discussion. | Screening of patients for individual assessment and instruction. |