methods of inpatient pulmonary hygiene

Overview

Start with albuterol nebulizer. Do this at least twice a day and up to every 4 hours. SABA helps with bronchodilator and increase ciliary beating.¹
Ipratropium can be added but has duration of action of 6 hours instead of 4
If patients use hypertonic saline or dornase alpha at home for CF, these can also be used.
- hypertonic saline does not have any therapeutic benefit in COPD
- hypertonic saline for patients with bronchiectasis can improve quality of life and lung function?
- dornase alpha does not show benefit in COPD patients
Use chest vest immediately after (types of pulmonary hygiene devices ). The goal is to bronchodilate and then bring up mucous.
Finish with long acting bronchodilators or inhaled corticosteroids (e.g., pulmicort, brovana)