Completely revised and updated, the second edition of this authoritative guide provides the latest information on the diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing management of pulmonary issues in children. Available for purchase at https://www.aap.org/Pediatric-Pulmonology-2nd-Edition-Paperback
Karen Ann Hardy, MD, FATS, "Airway Clearance Techniques", Pediatric Pulmonology, American Academy of Pediatrics Section on Pediatric Pulmonology and Sleep Medicine, Michael J. Light, MD, FAAP, Kristin Van Hook, MD, MPH, FAAP
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Typically, the clearance of airway secretions relies on 2 defense mechanisms: the mucociliary escalator and cough clearance. The mucociliary escalator requires normally functioning cilia and a normal airway surface liquid and mucus layer. These components of airway clearance function in the small airways as well as the larger cartilaginous airways (Figure 55-1). Cough clearance function is limited to the larger central airways and requires normal inspiration, vocal cord closure, and expiration, as well as adequate rigidity of the airway.
Children who lack any factor involved in the 2 main mechanisms, mucociliary escalator or cough clearance, will have difficulty...
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