Re: Battle Royal

[Guest guest]

Hi Shanna,

RAD is reactive airways disease. And albuterol is, as you said it

right, an emergency drug. It opens up the airways at once and for a

short time. I don't know how long the effect lasts (anyone else?),

but it can only be helpful when you do the CPT within that time-span.

You also asked what autogenic drainage is. There is a video about it

at

http://www.cfcare.com/autogenic.htm

I don't have that real player installed on my computer, but maybe you

can download it and watch. And below is a simple explanation from the

Cystic-L Handbook. Since the vest isn't available here, it's the

european alternative for independent lung clearance. Another

advantage is, that you can do it everytime everywhere and don't have

to haul half a ton of equipment. Kids learn it here when they are

five or six.

Peace

Torsten, dad of Fiona 5wcf

Autogenic Drainage

Autogenic Drainage clears secretions further down the airways than

can be reached by a cough. This method of airway clearance keeps the

airways open, similar to the PEP mask theory. Autogenic Drainage uses

a combination of breathing techniques at different levels to move the

secretions up to where they can be " huff " coughed out. The first

level is unsticking the mucus with a low-lung volume breathing, then

collecting the secretions with mid-volume breathing, and finally

removing the secretions with " huff " coughing at a higher level. This

method of airway clearance needs to be taught to the patient and

requires much discipline and concentration when performing. It has

the advantage of allowing total independence; no equipment or other

people are necessary to complete this form of airway clearance. It is

a very gentle procedure; if you are doing AD correctly you will not

cough violently. This gentler form of therapy is wonderful for people

who are prone to hemoptysis.