The Breath project (Project Number: 2022-1-PL01-KA220-HED-000089283) has been Co-funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author or authors only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the Foundation for the Development of the Education System. Neither the European Union nor the entity providing the grant can be held responsible for them.

Cough techniques

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Institution
Escola Superior de Saúde Atlântica (EIA, SA)
Institution Typology
University
Country
Portugal
Description
Coughing is the main strategy for clearing the proximal airways. In patients with weak or ineffective cough reflexes, augmentation techniques are used to support or mimic the action. These techniques fall into three categories: assisted inspiration, assisted expiration or a mixture of both. They include manual hyperinflation, ventilator hyperinflation, glossopharyngeal breathing, manually assisted cough (MAC) and mechanical insufflator-exsufflator (MI-E). These methods can be used alone or combined in various ways
Disease
Cystic Fibrosis
Activity level
Medium
Activity Typology
Rehabilitation section-based activities, Home-based activities
Motivation Tools
Not available
Innovation
Evidence shows that the use of cough augmentation techniques increases peak cough flow (CPF) compared to unassisted coughing in patients with muscle weakness.
Evaluation System
Cough augmentation techniques were compared with unassisted coughing.
Assessment
Coughing techniques aim to eliminate airway obstruction caused by secretions, preventing respiratory infections. They also help to re-inflate collapsed lung areas, improving gas exchange and reducing inflammation.
References
Spinou, A. (2020). A Review on Cough Augmentation Techniques: Assisted Inspiration, Assisted Expiration and Their Combination. Physiol. Res. 69 (Suppl. 1): S93-S103. doi.org/10.33549/physiolres.934407" target="_blank">doi.org/10.33549/physiolres.934407" target="_blank">doi.org/10.33549/physiolres.934407


Belli, S., Prince I., Savio, G., Paracchini, E., Cattaneo, D., Bianchi, M., Masocco, F., Bellanti, M., Balbi, B. (2021). Airway Clearance Techniques: The Right Choice for the Right Patient. Front. Med. 8:544826. doi: 10.3389/fmed.2021.54482


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Ricardo Sousa Mestre, Escola Superior de Saúde Atlântica - Portugal (PT)
This best practice provides a structured, evidence-based approach to optimising respiratory function, making it a valuable tool in clinical practice. It enhances secretion clearance, prevents respiratory complications, and promotes patient autonomy by equipping individuals with effective airway management strategies. Its implementation, grounded in scientific evidence, supports multidisciplinary healthcare teams in delivering targeted respiratory interventions, ultimately improving patient outcomes and quality of life.