When airways become inflamed and weak, mucus can build up and enable
bacteria to grow, leading to infections that can cause damage to the airways.
Over time, airways can become so damaged they aren’t able to properly
move air in and out of the lungs. This is referred to as the vicious cycle of
lung infections. If the vicious cycle continues, the damage to the airways can
become irreversible, leading to chronic respiratory failure and other serious
health complications.
Airway clearance techniques (ACTs) loosen thick, sticky mucus so it can be
cleared from your lungs by coughing. The goal is to reduce the likelihood of
infections and help you breathe easier.
Many ACTs use percussion (clapping) or a wearable vest externally to loosen
mucus so it can be cleared out of the lungs by coughing. Other ACTs use lung
expansion and high frequency oscillations internally to loosen mucus.
Why is airway clearance important?
1 A Patient Guide to BiWaze
®
Clear System
