What is the purpose of chest physiotherapy in cystic fibrosis?

What is the purpose of chest physiotherapy in cystic fibrosis?

• A. To strengthen chest muscles
• B. To remove secretions that cause ineffective airway clearance
• C. To cure CF
• D. To diagnose CF

Answer: (B)

Chest physiotherapy focuses on loosening and removing thick, sticky lung secretions to improve airway clearance. In cystic fibrosis, the mucus is abnormally thick due to defective chloride transport, which causes it to cling to the airways and trap bacteria. Techniques like rhythmic percussion, vibration, and postural drainage loosen these secretions so they can be expelled by coughing or suctioning. Clearing mucus helps ventilation and gas exchange and lowers infection risk. This is supportive care, not a cure or a diagnostic test, and it doesn’t strengthen chest muscles.

Chest physiotherapy focuses on loosening and removing thick, sticky lung secretions to improve airway clearance. In cystic fibrosis, the mucus is abnormally thick due to defective chloride transport, which causes it to cling to the airways and trap bacteria. Techniques like rhythmic percussion, vibration, and postural drainage loosen these secretions so they can be expelled by coughing or suctioning. Clearing mucus helps ventilation and gas exchange and lowers infection risk. This is supportive care, not a cure or a diagnostic test, and it doesn’t strengthen chest muscles.