SMA Awareness! The muscles that give us the ability to cough are also weakened with SMA. Many individuals benefit from a Cough Assist machine. This machine works by applying positive pressure into the airways to fill the lungs with air and then rapidly shifts to negative pressure to pull the air out of the lungs. The rapid change in pressure simulates a cough. This helps clear the lungs of secretions. The pressure exerted is measured in cmH2O. Leo’s is set at 40. Meaning the pressures he receives is equal to a column of water of 40 cm in height at 4°C at the standard accelerations of gravity. It is quite forceful, but equally effective. Leo has a treatment using this machine every morning and evening, and often requires an additional treatment during the day. When sick this treatment can increase to every 2-4 hours. Prior to using the machine we pat Leo with a small mask over all areas of his lungs in different positions to help loosen secretions. (Wagon rides on a gravel driveway help with this as well!) Leo feels much better and can breath easier following a treatment. This machine is also critical in emergency situations. Individuals can develop a mucous plug that can totally block the airways. Suctioning alone may not be able to remove the plug, and emergency coughing with this machine can be live saving.
Posted on: Wed, 06 Aug 2014 00:51:57 +0000
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