Effect of Airway Clearance Techniques on Respiratory Outcomes for Patients with Bronchiectasis Exacerbations

Mohamed Amer, Sondos Mohamed; Younis, Gehan Abd Elhakem; Abdel Rahman Hantira, Mohamed Sayed; Elbana, Hanaa Atef

doi:10.21608/tsnj.2025.457089

Effect of Airway Clearance Techniques on Respiratory Outcomes for Patients with Bronchiectasis Exacerbations

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

¹ Demonstrator of Critical Care and Emergency Nursing Department, Faculty of Nursing, Tanta University, Egypt.

² Prof of Critical Care and Emergency Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Tanta University, Egypt

³ Prof of Chest Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Egypt.

⁴ Lecturer of Critical Care and Emergency Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Tanta University, Egypt.

10.21608/tsnj.2025.457089

Abstract

A chronic respiratory disease called bronchiectasis is characterized by aberrant and irreversible bronchial dilatation, a recurring cycle of infection and inflammation, and a reduction in mucociliary clearance. Acute exacerbations are a key feature of bronchiectasis and contribute significantly to its clinical and economic burden. Physiotherapists and nurses should prescribe ACTs as a part of management .Aim: Evaluate the effect of airway clearance techniques on respiratory outcomes for patients with bronchiectasis exacerbations. Design: A quasi-experimental design was utilized. Setting: This study was conducted at Chest Intensive Care Unit at Tanta University Chest Hospital. Subjects: A purposive sampling of 120 patients with bronchiectasis exacerbations. The patients were divided into two equal groups, 60 patients in each. Tools: Tool (I): Bronchiectasis Patient’s Assessment. Tool (II): Airway Clearance Assessment Tool. Tool (III): Modified Borg Dyspnea Scale (MBS). Result: statistically significant differences were observed in the daily amount of expectorated sputum between the study and the control group on the 1st and 3rd day where P = (0.000, 0.001) respectively. Also, a difference was observed in the dyspnea level between the study and the control group on 3rd day where P = 0.000. Conclusion: Airway clearance techniques had positive effect on improving physiological parameters, respiratory outcome, and daily amount of expectorated sputum and decrease severity of dyspnea for patients’ bronchiectasis exacerbation. Recommendations: Patients should receive structural health education regarding the importance of airway clearance and are encouraged to practice the technique independently as part of routine care