Luftvägsdränering

Luftvägsdränering, or airway clearance, refers to a variety of techniques used to mobilize and remove mucus or secretions from the lungs and airways. This is crucial for individuals with conditions that impair their ability to clear secretions effectively, such as cystic fibrosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), bronchiectasis, and certain neuromuscular disorders. Efficiently removing mucus can help prevent infections, improve lung function, and reduce breathing difficulties.

There are several methods of luftvägsdränering, broadly categorized into active and passive techniques. Active techniques involve the patient's own efforts. These include deep breathing exercises, huff coughing (a forced exhalation technique), and active cycle of breathing techniques (ACBT). ACBT combines breathing control, thoracic expansion exercises, and huff coughing. Postural drainage, a passive technique, involves positioning the patient in different ways to use gravity to help drain mucus from specific areas of the lungs.

Mechanical devices can also assist with luftvägsdränering. These include positive expiratory pressure (PEP) devices, which create back pressure in the airways to help keep them open and loosen secretions, and high-frequency chest wall oscillation (HFCWO) vests, which vibrate the chest wall to mobilize mucus. The choice of technique or combination of techniques is typically individualized based on the patient's condition, age, and ability. A healthcare professional, often a physiotherapist or respiratory therapist, will assess the patient and recommend the most appropriate airway clearance regimen. Regular and consistent application of these techniques is often necessary for long-term management of respiratory conditions.