Medical Health Encyclopedia

Mucus-Producing Coughs. When coughing to produce mucus, one effective method is to lean forward and "huff" repeatedly, take relaxed breaths, and huff again. If possible, forceful coughing should be avoided.

There are 6 to 12 positions a person with pulmonary disease may take to drain mucus from a certain part of the lungs. Another person may tap in certain areas to help loosen the mucus and allow it to be coughed out. Other ways to relieve the lung congestion of cystic fibrosis or bronchiectasis include percussion vests and inhaled aerosols.

Devices for Improving Lung Function

Flutter Valve. The flutter valve is a small hand-held device that looks like a pipe. It contains a steel ball that sits in a small plastic cone. The patient inhales deeply, holding the breath for two to three seconds. As the patient exhales (keeping the cheeks in), the ball is pushed up toward the top of the device and then falls back down. About 10 to 50 vibrations per second are generated and transmitted to the lungs to help loosen secretions. This is repeated for up to 15 breath cycles. The patient coughs at the end.

Chest Compression Devices. Devices are available that allow the patient to be passive and still expel air. One called the Vest (formerly the ThAIRapy Vest) consists of an inflatable vest attached by hoses to a generator that triggers pulses of air into the vest. The rapid pressure and release of the air around the chest acts like tiny hugs to create small coughs. It is very expensive, (about $16,000) but may be covered by insurance for specific patients.

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Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES). An investigative device uses electrical pulses to stimulate muscles in the legs. In an early study, patients were treated for 16 minutes per leg during the first week and 30 minutes per leg thereafter for a total of 30 sessions. At the end of six weeks, endurance capacity increased significantly and patients reported less muscle fatigue and shortness of breath.

Physical Exercise