Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 16, 2026

Repeated Measurement of Respiratory Muscle Activity and Ventilation in Mouse Models of Neuromuscular Disease
Published on: April 17, 2017
Airway clearance modalities in neuromuscular disease
1Professor of Pediatrics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Clinical Director Pediatric Pulmonary Medicine Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA. finder@pitt.edu
Abstract:
Airway clearance consists of two linked processes: mucociliary clearance and cough clearance. Patients with neuromuscular weakness are at risk for impaired cough clearance and therefore the development of pneumonia and atelectasis. Aiding airway clearance in the patient with neuromuscular weakness is critical to the maintenance of health and the prevention of significant respiratory morbidity. This can be achieved using both manual and mechanical techniques. This review will discuss the physiology of cough and the mechanics of aiding cough clearance in the patient with neuromuscular weakness. In addition, technologies and techniques used to improve mucociliary clearance will also be discussed. Newer technologies such as mechanical insufflation-exsufflation have gained widespread acceptance in the management of airway clearance in the patient with neuromuscular weakness.
Related Concept Videos
Skeletal Muscle Relaxants: Therapeutic Uses
Myasthenia Gravis: Overview and Treatment
These antibodies interfere with the function of the nicotinic receptors in three ways: by binding to the receptor and disrupting acetylcholine binding; by causing cross-linking of receptors which leads...
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation II: ACLS Airway Management
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation V: Advanced Airway Management Techniques
Assessment of Airway, Skin Color, and Use of Accessory Muscles
Introduction
The initial evaluation of a patient's respiratory system...
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-V: Nursing Management
Assessment
