Airway clearance technique in the modern era of bronchiectasis management

Abstract

Bronchiectasis is a chronic, structural lung disease characterised by chronic productive cough or breathlessness, or decreased exercise tolerance, which are associated with recurrent airway infections and inflammation [1]. According to the international guidelines [1–4], the goals of bronchiectasis treatment consist of controlling the symptoms, reducing the number of exacerbations and improving the quality of life. Of the existing therapeutic approaches, airway clearance techniques (ACTs) are the major nonpharmaceutical interventions that have been endorsed to facilitate the clearance of sputum, improve lung function and maintain exercise endurance [5]. There are various types of ACTs, including the active cycle of breathing techniques, postural drainage and oscillatory devices (such as Acapella and Lung Flute) [6].