Mucus is essential for bodily functions. The purpose for our mucus is to provide a protective and moisturizing layer, keeping our organs from drying out. Also, it is a trap for irritants, contains bacteria and bacteria-killing enzymes. When a person over produces mucus, it becomes thick, making it difficult to breathe and keeps bacteria trapped. When this over production occurs, it is referred to as Bronchiectasis. Bronchiectasis affects approximately 340,000 to 522,000 U.S. adults and roughly 70,000 new patients are diagnosed annually. High Frequency Chest Wall Oscillation (HFCWO) can benefit adults as well as children who suffer from Bronchiectasis, COPD, and other respiratory conditions.
High Frequency Chest Wall Oscillation is an independent airway clearance method that provides consistently effective and efficient treatment. The primary benefit of the HFCWO is to loosen mucus trapped on the bronchial walls. Studies show HFCWO has provided an effective life-extending solution for individuals with Bronchiectasis. Research studies indicate “13% decrease in antibiotic use, 62% decreased in yearly hospitalizations, 45% increase in respiratory health and 63% increase of the ability to clear their lungs (see graph below).” The vests are effective at mobilizing secretions to clear airways. This device increases the air-liquid forces when breathing out to help improve mucus removal. Second, is the Oscillation of the airway walls loosening secretions to improve air-liquid flows. Lastly, the vest can boost ciliary beating to change the bronchial secretions, making it less thick and sticky, which improved the ability to breath.
The HFCWO is a fitted vest available in both stationary and portable models. The vests have 9 total setting variations, allowing patients and physicians the best level of personal treatment for each user. Each vest is digitally programmed and quiet while in use. Also, there are 3 modes of oscillation treatment and 3 adjustable intensity levels: soft, medium, and intense. Both vests are battery operated, use positive and negative pressures, have various sizes ranging from XXS-XXL, and 8 motors that create individual pressure waves that target the lobes of the lungs. Each come with a rechargeable battery pack that lasts 3+ hours.
Your injured workers/ patients may benefit from the HFCWO. There are a wide range of diseases and health conditions that can cause increased mucus production and ineffective airway clearance. The diseases listed below can benefit from using this HFCWO therap
- Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS or Lou Gehrig’s disease)
- Bronchiectasis
- Cerebral palsy
- Chronic bronchitis
- Cystic fibrosis
- Disorders of the diaphragm
- Emphysema
- Multiple sclerosis
- Muscular dystrophy
- Tracheal stenosis
- Pneumonia
- Post-operative lung transplant
- Post-polio syndrome
- Primary ciliary dyskinesia
- Quadriplegia
- Scoliosis
- Spinal cord injury
- Spinal muscular atrophy
- Tracheomalacia
Carisa Zurbuchen is an Administrative Assistant for Designed Living. She has many ambitions and hopes you find the article informative. Designed Living was established in 2010 and our mission is “To simplify the workload of our partners and deliver responsive care through service and support to injured patients.” For more information please visit www.designedliving.net.
Used with permission Designed Living. Designed Living is a vendor partner of Integrion’s for our Arizona clients.
Work Cited
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Photo curtesy of Afflovest
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