Australia, 2nd February 2021: A mucus removal device is a device used by people with respiratory conditions to help loosen the secretions or phlegm in the chest. The equipment is shaped like a pipe, which is handheld. The user breathes out through the device, which causes the small ball at the opposite end of the pipe to vibrate. The vibration:
1. It creates the resistance that helps the splint the airway open.
2. It loosens the secretions from the sides of the airway.
The combination of these two effects makes the patients cough up the secretions much easy way.
Physiotherapy is vital for establishing the technique for the benefit of the patient’s condition. The respiratory physiotherapists will be able to develop an effective strategy to treat the patient’s condition.
What are the benefits of the mucus removal device?
Once the patient or the family members are taught and practiced by the physiotherapist’s guidance, it might be used independently by the patient and place to suit them, to remove the secretions. The removal of the secretion significantly reduces the risk of developing a chest infection. The other benefits of using the mucus removal device include:
● It reduces the frequency of coughing.
● The device is a compact and lightweight device that can be stored in the pocket or the handbag.
● It reduces the need for medication for the patients.
● It can be used in combination with other respiratory physiotherapy techniques.
● It is a good alternative to physiotherapy.
● It does not require any electricity to use the device.
● Enhances lung function and helps to clean the airway.
● Improves breathing and reduces the shortness of breathing
The total combined action helps to move the mucus up to the airway so that people can cough it out quickly. The use of the airway clearance device might break the cycle of lung infection and lung damage.
• Immediate benefit: It opens up the airway into one’s lungs that had been obstructed over the years, pollution, poor physical condition, and natural aging.
• Long-term benefits: It targets and develops the respiratory muscles helps the person to inhale more. The volume of air or oxygen into the human lungs and volume exhale more carbon dioxide out of the human lungs.
Who would be benefited from using the device?
Any person suffering from respiratory conditions involving the build-up of excess phlegm would benefit from using the mucus removal device. Some of the conditions that are likely to get the benefits include:
● Asthma
● Bronchitis
● Bronchiectasis
● Atelectasis
● Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
● Cystic Fibrosis (CF)