Pulmonary Rehabilitation Methods for Sputum Expectoration

In respiratory physiology, mucus secretion is crucial in trapping foreign particles, bacteria, and viruses, preventing their entry into the body. Various respiratory conditions like chronic respiratory diseases or infections necessitate effective sputum expectoration because inadequate clearance can lead to complications due to retained secretions in the airways. This review discusses various pulmonary rehabilitation methods for sputum expectoration, facilitating mucus loosening/mobilization, and cough expulsion. Mucus loosening and mobilization can be achieved by postural drainage, several breathing techniques, positive expiratory pressure (PEP), oscillating PEP, and vibration methods (via external chest wall or direct airway). The latter methods include huffing, manual assist cough, mechanical in-exsufflation, and artificial glottic device. Each method's efficacy and applicability vary based on patient-specific factors and should be tailored accordingly for optimal management of sputum clearance.