ACT + Pressure point

Question 1

Equal Pressure Point

Answer 1

Equal Pressure Point: When intrabronchial pressure is equal to the surrounding pleural pressure
* Healthy lungs EPP occurs in cartilaginous rings.
* Respiratory conditions can cause the pressure Pbr to drop more rapidly and EPP occurs before the cartilaginous ring causing “pinching of airways”.

• On FET the bronchial pressure drops more rapidly and EPP can occur before cartilaginous rings. where EPP occurs depends on initial lung volume.
• EPP increases turbulent airflow as the same volume of air is trying to pass through a smaller diameter airway thus creating increased velocity and thus turbulent airflow.

Question 2

What is ACBT

Answer 2

A set of breathing techniques that are targeted specifically to the patient to assist with sputum clearance

standard:
4 TE, 30 sec BC x 2. 2 FET

Question 3

Autogenic Drainage

Answer 3

Gentle breathing at different volumes to loosen, mobilise and clear secretions
Using the same TV breath within different parts of the vital capacity
Performed in supine or sitting with exhalation through NOSE
Takes patience and significant effort from patient

Question 4

PEP

Answer 4

ACT that provides constant back pressure to airways during expiration via mask or mouthpiece to splint them open

Increasing gas behind mucus through collateral ventilation (pushes mucus out of the lungs and opens up regions that would otherwise be closed off)
Prevents airway collapse by splinting them open during expiration
Increases FRC temporarily

Question 5

Oscillating PEP

Answer 5

Combines air oscillation in airways during expiration with normal PEP

Oscillating positive expiratory pressure which prevents premature airway closure
Vibrates the airway wall at a therapeutic range
Loosens mucus from airway wall
Increases the ASL height
Decreases the viscosity of sputum

flutter valve- gravity dependent
accapella- not gravity dependent.