Respiratory Conditions

The harmful effects of excess or uncleared airway secretions are well understood. Uncleared mucus is strongly correlated with episodes of acute illness and progressive, often sharp declines in pulmonary function. Retained secretions promote chronic inflammation and infection. If unmanaged, mucus plugging, lung damage and respiratory failure may ensue. Impaired ability to clear airway secretions can potentially occur in most pulmonary and many systemic conditions.

A common pathway to lung damage

In diseases and conditions including cystic fibrosis (CF), bronchiectasis from any cause, dyskinetic ciliary syndromes and an array of neuromotor and neuromuscular conditions, patients with retained secretions follow a common pathway to progressive, irreversible lung disease.

A vicious cycle

In 1984, Dr. P.J. Cole outlined a “vicious cycle” model to explain the common pathway disease process:


In simplified terms:
  • Lung defenses are activated by invading bacteria, viruses, allergens or other irritants.
  • Normal inflammatory and immune system responses stimulate increased mucus production.
  • Mucus accumulates in proportion to degree of mucociliary clearance failure.
  • Airway obstruction and mucus plugging occur.
  • Retained inflammatory by-products damage lung tissue.
  • Recurrent, accelerating episodes of respiratory illness cause progressive irreversible lung damage.


cycle diagram


Airway Clearance Therapy

Airway clearance therapy (ACT) is appropriate for any patient with impaired ability to clear pulmonary secretions without some form of assistance. ACTs are widely prescribed for patients with hundreds of diagnoses and conditions with primary or secondary airway clearance problems.

High Frequency Chest Compression (HFCC)

Because High-frequency chest compression (HFCC) therapy is technique-independent, it is the only ACT that reliably provides consistent, effective clearance for all patients regardless of individual limitations and treatment obstacles. For both home care and hospitalized patients, HFCC with the inCourage™ system is an increasingly popular choice.