Ventilatory Assistance Devices Health Article

Coughing

Patients with weakened respiratory muscles may be even more in need of cough assistance than they are of ventilatory assistance. Cough assistance may be delivered manually by a caregiver or by a machine (the in-exsufflator or cough assist) that is designed to inflate the lungs and then rapidly withdraw air, as occurs in a normal cough. This clears secretions that would otherwise accumulate and provide a locus for infection, as well as interfere with gas exchange.

BOOKS

Bach, J. R. Noninvasive Mechanical Ventilation. Philadelphia: Hanley & Belfus, 2002.

Kinnear, W. J. M. Assisted Ventilation at Home: A Practical Guide. Oxford: Oxford Medical Publications, 1994.

OTHERS

Robinson, R. "Breathe Easy." Quest Magazine 5, no. 5 (October 1998) (April 18, 2004). <http://www.mdausa.org/publications/Quest/q55breathe.html>.

Robinson, R. "A Breath of Fresh Air." Quest Magazine 5, no. 6 (October 1998) (April 18, 2004). <http://www.mdausa.org/publications/Quest/q56freshair.html>.

WEBSITES

Muscular Dystrophy Association. <http://www.mdausa.org> (April 18, 2004).

Richard Robinson