In-exsufflator Cough Assist Device in Patients With Symptomatic Bronchiectasis

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS, WORCESTER · Mar 22, 2007

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

Bronchiectasis is characterized by airway dilatation with the potential to cause devastating illness, including repeated respiratory infections requiring antibiotics, disabling productive, mucopurulent cough, shortness of breath and occasional hemoptysis. The damaged and dilated airways lead to persisting bacterial infection of the bronchi and bronchioles, causing inflammation and retained secretions, which in turn may further damage the airways. Patients typically suffer from frequent, severe and refractory episodes of bacterial bronchitis, often requiring hospitalization and prolonged cou...

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Chest CT scan confirmation of bronchiectasis
• • At least two exacerbations in the preceding 12 months requiring antibiotics
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Cystic fibrosis
• • Bullous emphysema
• • History of spontaneous pneumothorax
• • History of massive hemoptysis: greater than 200 cc in a 24 hour period
• • Lung resection surgery in the past 6 months
• • Use of the mechanical cough in-exsufflator in the prior 3 months
• • Inability to speak and read English
• • Inability to demonstrate proper use of the cough-assist or flutter device
• • Unable to provide informed consent