

S5 Ep91: Clear the Air on Airway Clearance
Aug 16, 2023
Learn about airway clearance regimens, when to consult a pulmonologist, impaired cough in pediatric patients, the use of incentis perometry in post-op care, lack of data on airway clearance devices, and non-pharmacologic and pharmacologic treatments for airway clearance.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Just Keep Showing Up
- Dr. Mark McGill advised Dr. St. Onge to "just keep showing up" when she felt overwhelmed as an intern.
- This emphasizes the importance of persistence in medical training, eventually leading to the necessary knowledge acquisition.
Airway Clearance Physiology
- Airway clearance relies on several physiological mechanisms, including alveolar macrophages, mucociliary clearance, and cough.
- Airflow is essential for mucus movement, and all clearance methods augment airflow, airway resistance, secretions, or cough.
Airway's Challenges
- Airway, the patient, has multiple risk factors for impaired airway clearance due to his medical history.
- These include aspiration, hypotonia affecting airway tone, and impaired cough clearance due to neuromuscular weakness.