Physiotherapy for large airway collapse: an ABC approach.

Area of Science:

• Respiratory Medicine
• Physiotherapy
• Pulmonology

Background:

• Large airway collapse (LAC) is abnormal inward movement of trachea and main bronchi during exhalation.
• It is a common comorbidity in chronic respiratory conditions like COPD and asthma.
• LAC causes symptoms such as barking cough, exertional dyspnea, and increased respiratory infections, limiting daily function.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide clinically focused physiotherapeutic intervention advice for conservative management of LAC.
• To present a practical "ABC model" for physiotherapy assessment and treatment.
• To optimize airway clearance, breathing patterns, and exercise capacity in patients with LAC.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing evidence on LAC.
• Application of transferable evidence from related respiratory conditions.
• Integration of clinical expertise to develop the "ABC model".

Main Results:

• The proposed "ABC model" focuses on three key clinical areas: Airways (clearance, cough), Breathing (breathlessness, pattern), and Capacity (exercise ability).
• This model guides physiotherapy assessment and treatment strategies for LAC.
• Evidence-based and clinically informed recommendations are provided for conservative management.

Conclusions:

• Physiotherapy plays a crucial role in the conservative management of large airway collapse.
• The "ABC model" offers a structured approach to address the multifaceted symptoms of LAC.
• Optimizing airway patency, breathing mechanics, and functional capacity can improve patient outcomes.