People with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) often experience breathlessness, cough and sputum which may worsen during acute flare‐ups. Airway clearance techniques (ACTs) are helpful to clear sputum/phlegm from the lungs. According to Lung Foundation Australia’s COPD-X national guidelines, these techniques are recommended for people with COPD who have sputum build up.
Using ACTs to clear sputum/phlegm can help to reduce symptoms of sudden uncontrolled coughing, reduce the frequency of exacerbation or flare-ups and speed up your recovery following an exacerbation. It may also slow the decline in lung function and reduce fatigue from ineffective coughing.
If you are having issues clearing your sputum/phlegm, you can ask your doctor if a referral to a physiotherapist will be beneficial. Physiotherapists trained in airway clearance techniques can prescribe an airway clearance device as required. There are clinical precautions that may influence the choice of airway clearance device you may be prescribed.
It is important to discuss this with a physiotherapist trained in respiratory techniques, as there are many types of ACTs and devices. It is not one size fits all! The choice of technique depends on your condition, the volume of sputum/phlegm and consistency.
The right airway clearance program for you depends on:
- The severity of your lung condition
- Your other medical conditions
- Your lung capacity
- The amount of daily phlegm production
Because of all these factors, you need personalised instructions to start doing airway clearance safely and effectively.
Who do you ask?
A physiotherapist skilled in airway clearance techniques.
Some specialise in this area and might be called ‘respiratory’ or ‘cardiorespiratory’ physiotherapists. They could also say they specialise in ‘pulmonary’ which is another word for lungs.
You might need to ask your doctor, nurse, or health worker to help you find someone who can help you in your local area or contact the Australian Physiotherapy Association at choose.physio/find-a-physio.
When you click on ‘Refine your search’, click on ‘Specialist physiotherapist’ then click on ‘Select specialist area’ and choose ‘Cardiorespiratory’ from the drop-down box.
You can also ask your Respiratory Specialist if they can recommend a respiratory physiotherapist, or by contacting your local physio clinic and asking if they have a physiotherapist with specialised training in airway clearance techniques.
Speak to your GP about the possibility of a Chronic Disease GP Management Plan and if you are eligible for a Team Care Arrangement to access Medicare subsidised allied health services.
Eligible patients can access five allied health services (e.g. physiotherapy, exercise physiology and dietitian etc.) per calendar year. This can assist you to access allied health professionals to support you with your care and the plan can help make appointments more affordable.
