Although cystic fibrosis affects many parts of the body, the focus is often on the lungs because of the disease's effect on breathing.
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Autogenic drainage (AD) means “self-drainage” and uses different speeds of breathing to move mucus. To do it, your respiratory therapist can teach you how to control your breaths. You will learn how fast and deeply to breathe to fill certain parts of your lungs with air. AD can take some practice and is usually recommended for people age 8 and older.
Chest physical therapy (CPT or Chest PT) is an airway clearance technique (ACT) to drain the lungs, and may include percussion (clapping), vibration, deep breathing, and huffing or coughing.
Coughing is the most basic airway clearance technique (ACT). It can be an involuntary reflex or it can be controlled as a healthy, natural way for the lungs to get rid of mucus.
Positive expiratory pressure (PEP) therapy gets air into the lungs and behind the mucus using extra (collateral) airways.
Bronchodilators may widen airways by helping the surrounding muscles relax. This could allow more air to travel through the airways, which may help other medications work more effectively.
High-frequency chest wall oscillation involves an inflatable vest that is attached to a machine. The machine mechanically performs chest physical therapy by vibrating at a high frequency. The vest vibrates the chest to loosen and thin
Receiving a denial for a service or treatment from your insurance company can leave you with many questions. Fortunately, most insurers have a process, called an appeal, by which you can ask them to reconsider their decision to deny coverage.
People living with cystic fibrosis may apply for Social Security Disability Insurance or Supplemental Security Income, programs that serve as a source of income and health insurance coverage for people who are unable to work due to their health status.
People living with cystic fibrosis and their families face complicated issues related to getting the care they need. CF Foundation Compass makes sure that no one has to do it alone.