Many, many people love the vest & get good results from it. I enjoy it for the independence only. I dont feel I get as much up as I do with manual clapping, but it seems to work for maintenance. When I am actually sick & congested I wouldnt say its enough. I recently started doing Hypertonic Saline via neb & I think I cough more up doing that neb then I do during my vest for the day.
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Physio and coughing up mucus
- Thread starter anonymous
- Start date
Many, many people love the vest & get good results from it. I enjoy it for the independence only. I dont feel I get as much up as I do with manual clapping, but it seems to work for maintenance. When I am actually sick & congested I wouldnt say its enough. I recently started doing Hypertonic Saline via neb & I think I cough more up doing that neb then I do during my vest for the day.
Eli
Tanner was diagnosed at 6 months old(now 9). The hospital at the time sent us home with the rubber percussor - I think thats what they used in there. Its round (about 3 inches) and you hold it between the 1st and 2nd finger and pound on the chest and the electric one has a round end and has vibrating at the end. I guess that's all I know to use. What do other people use - or just their hands? I thought the vest would be nice as he gets older to do by himself - or when I don't have time at night - I work full time and part time. My dotor said all is good but there was some studies that showed that hand percussion is maybe more effective - but the vest more kids and adults do because of the independence.
Mother of Tanner
Tanner was diagnosed at 6 months old(now 9). The hospital at the time sent us home with the rubber percussor - I think thats what they used in there. Its round (about 3 inches) and you hold it between the 1st and 2nd finger and pound on the chest and the electric one has a round end and has vibrating at the end. I guess that's all I know to use. What do other people use - or just their hands? I thought the vest would be nice as he gets older to do by himself - or when I don't have time at night - I work full time and part time. My dotor said all is good but there was some studies that showed that hand percussion is maybe more effective - but the vest more kids and adults do because of the independence.
Mother of Tanner
Eli
Tanner was diagnosed at 6 months old(now 9). The hospital at the time sent us home with the rubber percussor - I think thats what they used in there. Its round (about 3 inches) and you hold it between the 1st and 2nd finger and pound on the chest and the electric one has a round end and has vibrating at the end. I guess that's all I know to use. What do other people use - or just their hands? I thought the vest would be nice as he gets older to do by himself - or when I don't have time at night - I work full time and part time. My dotor said all is good but there was some studies that showed that hand percussion is maybe more effective - but the vest more kids and adults do because of the independence.
Mother of Tanner
Tanner was diagnosed at 6 months old(now 9). The hospital at the time sent us home with the rubber percussor - I think thats what they used in there. Its round (about 3 inches) and you hold it between the 1st and 2nd finger and pound on the chest and the electric one has a round end and has vibrating at the end. I guess that's all I know to use. What do other people use - or just their hands? I thought the vest would be nice as he gets older to do by himself - or when I don't have time at night - I work full time and part time. My dotor said all is good but there was some studies that showed that hand percussion is maybe more effective - but the vest more kids and adults do because of the independence.
Mother of Tanner
Eli
Tanner was diagnosed at 6mos (now 9 years). The hospital gave us a rubber percussor 3in round, hold it between 2 fingers and pound on chest. The electric one is round at the end and vibrates. I guess thats all I've ever known to use. What does other people use? Hand? The doc said some studies showed that manual percussion worked better - but more people do the vest more regularly. Especially as he gets older I think he would do it more.
Mother of Tanner
Tanner was diagnosed at 6mos (now 9 years). The hospital gave us a rubber percussor 3in round, hold it between 2 fingers and pound on chest. The electric one is round at the end and vibrates. I guess thats all I've ever known to use. What does other people use? Hand? The doc said some studies showed that manual percussion worked better - but more people do the vest more regularly. Especially as he gets older I think he would do it more.
Mother of Tanner
Eli
Tanner was diagnosed at 6mos (now 9 years). The hospital gave us a rubber percussor 3in round, hold it between 2 fingers and pound on chest. The electric one is round at the end and vibrates. I guess thats all I've ever known to use. What does other people use? Hand? The doc said some studies showed that manual percussion worked better - but more people do the vest more regularly. Especially as he gets older I think he would do it more.
Mother of Tanner
Tanner was diagnosed at 6mos (now 9 years). The hospital gave us a rubber percussor 3in round, hold it between 2 fingers and pound on chest. The electric one is round at the end and vibrates. I guess thats all I've ever known to use. What does other people use? Hand? The doc said some studies showed that manual percussion worked better - but more people do the vest more regularly. Especially as he gets older I think he would do it more.
Mother of Tanner
I use to hate my vest & not just for the lack of productive cough. With help from our therapists at the office, I found settings that better suit me & now I look forward to my treatment. I do it aftery daughter is in bed & I send my hubby to bed also -- LOL. THen I do my nebs, vest & chat on the computer etc. I find it to be a relaxing time & I feel better if I am relaxed. Quite frankly before I was trying to do it all before my daughter went to bed & then we could all head to bed at the same time, but it was too much for me. I need the quiet etc.
I use to hate my vest & not just for the lack of productive cough. With help from our therapists at the office, I found settings that better suit me & now I look forward to my treatment. I do it aftery daughter is in bed & I send my hubby to bed also -- LOL. THen I do my nebs, vest & chat on the computer etc. I find it to be a relaxing time & I feel better if I am relaxed. Quite frankly before I was trying to do it all before my daughter went to bed & then we could all head to bed at the same time, but it was too much for me. I need the quiet etc.
Melissa
I see that you are 37. I was just wondering how your health is. Are you able to live a pretty normal life? Do you work? Are you sick alot? I guess I got really scared when I started reading this about 2 weeks ago cause they were talking about some young people dying and since then I've read alot from 20 - 40 year olds which made me feel better. I guess its just nice to hear from different situations.
Mother of Tanner 9 wcf
I see that you are 37. I was just wondering how your health is. Are you able to live a pretty normal life? Do you work? Are you sick alot? I guess I got really scared when I started reading this about 2 weeks ago cause they were talking about some young people dying and since then I've read alot from 20 - 40 year olds which made me feel better. I guess its just nice to hear from different situations.
Mother of Tanner 9 wcf
Melissa
I see that you are 37. I was just wondering how your health is. Are you able to live a pretty normal life? Do you work? Are you sick alot? I guess I got really scared when I started reading this about 2 weeks ago cause they were talking about some young people dying and since then I've read alot from 20 - 40 year olds which made me feel better. I guess its just nice to hear from different situations.
Mother of Tanner 9 wcf
I see that you are 37. I was just wondering how your health is. Are you able to live a pretty normal life? Do you work? Are you sick alot? I guess I got really scared when I started reading this about 2 weeks ago cause they were talking about some young people dying and since then I've read alot from 20 - 40 year olds which made me feel better. I guess its just nice to hear from different situations.
Mother of Tanner 9 wcf
Lauren,
What is huff coughing? My daughter is 4 yrs and hardly coughs anything up. The other day, she was sledding & had an abrupt stop & a whole bunch of stuff came out of her nose. My hubby & I started to wonder if she has mucus to get up & out, but she doesn't know how. However, she does have a little cold now...so that probably plays a part with having stuff in her nose. She does the vest twice a day for about 50 minutes combined. She had her first PFTs at her last visit & they were great! When she is running around a lot & playing hard, she coughs more than during chest pt.
Thanks,
Karon
Mom to Erin (4 w/cf)
What is huff coughing? My daughter is 4 yrs and hardly coughs anything up. The other day, she was sledding & had an abrupt stop & a whole bunch of stuff came out of her nose. My hubby & I started to wonder if she has mucus to get up & out, but she doesn't know how. However, she does have a little cold now...so that probably plays a part with having stuff in her nose. She does the vest twice a day for about 50 minutes combined. She had her first PFTs at her last visit & they were great! When she is running around a lot & playing hard, she coughs more than during chest pt.
Thanks,
Karon
Mom to Erin (4 w/cf)
Lauren,
What is huff coughing? My daughter is 4 yrs and hardly coughs anything up. The other day, she was sledding & had an abrupt stop & a whole bunch of stuff came out of her nose. My hubby & I started to wonder if she has mucus to get up & out, but she doesn't know how. However, she does have a little cold now...so that probably plays a part with having stuff in her nose. She does the vest twice a day for about 50 minutes combined. She had her first PFTs at her last visit & they were great! When she is running around a lot & playing hard, she coughs more than during chest pt.
Thanks,
Karon
Mom to Erin (4 w/cf)
What is huff coughing? My daughter is 4 yrs and hardly coughs anything up. The other day, she was sledding & had an abrupt stop & a whole bunch of stuff came out of her nose. My hubby & I started to wonder if she has mucus to get up & out, but she doesn't know how. However, she does have a little cold now...so that probably plays a part with having stuff in her nose. She does the vest twice a day for about 50 minutes combined. She had her first PFTs at her last visit & they were great! When she is running around a lot & playing hard, she coughs more than during chest pt.
Thanks,
Karon
Mom to Erin (4 w/cf)
Yes I am 37.....proud to be turning 38 on March 12. I am great overall. I had a rough time last year, but it wasnt my usual CF stuff so although I am still bouncing back, I dont count that too much....LOL! I did have to stop working when my daughter was 18 months. I couldnt handle the full time job, daughter, wife & taking care of myself. I am not good at balancing things. I use to neglect my treatments. Like NOT do them at all for years. Even after having to stop working & having my daughter I could get away with it once I felt ok.....thats not the case anymore. I have to pace myself & do my treatments, but I do just about everything I want. Maybe not as much as I use to, but I still do it. I have good days & bad days, but I am here. I am happy, I have a great family & love to share my experiences & be helpful where possible..............................
Yes I am 37.....proud to be turning 38 on March 12. I am great overall. I had a rough time last year, but it wasnt my usual CF stuff so although I am still bouncing back, I dont count that too much....LOL! I did have to stop working when my daughter was 18 months. I couldnt handle the full time job, daughter, wife & taking care of myself. I am not good at balancing things. I use to neglect my treatments. Like NOT do them at all for years. Even after having to stop working & having my daughter I could get away with it once I felt ok.....thats not the case anymore. I have to pace myself & do my treatments, but I do just about everything I want. Maybe not as much as I use to, but I still do it. I have good days & bad days, but I am here. I am happy, I have a great family & love to share my experiences & be helpful where possible..............................
thelizardqueen
New member
Melissa - you're a hero to me. I hope that I am just as healthy as you are when I enter my 30s. 10 years ago, I honestly didn't think I'd make it to the age I am now (I'm jaded, what can I say). I only hope that I'm as healthy when I'm 37. *fingers crossed*<img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">
thelizardqueen
New member
Melissa - you're a hero to me. I hope that I am just as healthy as you are when I enter my 30s. 10 years ago, I honestly didn't think I'd make it to the age I am now (I'm jaded, what can I say). I only hope that I'm as healthy when I'm 37. *fingers crossed*<img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">
Karon,
I have copied the info. below from this website http://uuhsc.utah.edu/pated/handouts/handout.cfm?id=1693. It's very simple sounding but takes a lot of practice and self discipline to not cough the regular way. I'm working on it though. One of the main reasons, amongst many other health problems coughing causes, is incontinence. I really think that would be a bummer to have to deal with so I'm going to try to avoid it. Some of the young ladies on this site - in their late teens are already having pee problems. Good luck huffing! Age 4 I think is a great time to start. Do research and talk to your doctor though but my thinking is if she isn't producing with biological coughing then what harm could it cause in teaching her a new technique. Keep me posted through personal message if you don't mind.
Huff Coughing: Controlled Coughing Technique
Coughing is the natural way of removing foreign substances from the lungs. In Cystic Fibrosis there is an excess production of mucus, which must be removed to maintain open airways and allow you to move air in and out of your lungs effectively. Retained mucus contributes to the risk of infection. In addition, the mucus irritates nerve endings into the tracheobronchial tree and can cause frequent, involuntary coughing, causing fatigue. Ineffective coughing can also lead to airway compression, making it so you cannot clear or expel mucus. Huff cough is a gentle way of coughing, which attempts to accelerate airflow while keeping the glottis (throat) open. To conserve energy and oxygen, you must practice and master the method of controlled "Huff Cough".
When doing the Huff Cough, inhale slowly, using diaphragmatic breathing. Hold the breath for 3 seconds. Then do a forced exhalation with an open throat or glottis. Whisper the word "huff" as you cough, and keep your chin up. The huff is a forced maneuver but never violent. The length and force of the expiration can be altered to maximize airflow and minimize airway collapse. Huffing continued down to a low lung volume will help to mobilize and clear secretions in the peripheral airways. When secretions reach the larger airways they are cleared by a huff at high lung volume and quicker exhalation. An essential part of the controlled cough technique is the pause for breathing control after one or two huffs. This prevents any increase in airflow obstruction in patients with bronchospasm or airway collapse. When the mucus has reached the upper airway, cough to expel secretions.
Huff Cough In Brief
1. Inhale
2. Hold your breath
3. Initiate huff maneuver
4. Breathing control
5. Cough to expel
Control your cough ------------ don't let it control you!
I have copied the info. below from this website http://uuhsc.utah.edu/pated/handouts/handout.cfm?id=1693. It's very simple sounding but takes a lot of practice and self discipline to not cough the regular way. I'm working on it though. One of the main reasons, amongst many other health problems coughing causes, is incontinence. I really think that would be a bummer to have to deal with so I'm going to try to avoid it. Some of the young ladies on this site - in their late teens are already having pee problems. Good luck huffing! Age 4 I think is a great time to start. Do research and talk to your doctor though but my thinking is if she isn't producing with biological coughing then what harm could it cause in teaching her a new technique. Keep me posted through personal message if you don't mind.
Huff Coughing: Controlled Coughing Technique
Coughing is the natural way of removing foreign substances from the lungs. In Cystic Fibrosis there is an excess production of mucus, which must be removed to maintain open airways and allow you to move air in and out of your lungs effectively. Retained mucus contributes to the risk of infection. In addition, the mucus irritates nerve endings into the tracheobronchial tree and can cause frequent, involuntary coughing, causing fatigue. Ineffective coughing can also lead to airway compression, making it so you cannot clear or expel mucus. Huff cough is a gentle way of coughing, which attempts to accelerate airflow while keeping the glottis (throat) open. To conserve energy and oxygen, you must practice and master the method of controlled "Huff Cough".
When doing the Huff Cough, inhale slowly, using diaphragmatic breathing. Hold the breath for 3 seconds. Then do a forced exhalation with an open throat or glottis. Whisper the word "huff" as you cough, and keep your chin up. The huff is a forced maneuver but never violent. The length and force of the expiration can be altered to maximize airflow and minimize airway collapse. Huffing continued down to a low lung volume will help to mobilize and clear secretions in the peripheral airways. When secretions reach the larger airways they are cleared by a huff at high lung volume and quicker exhalation. An essential part of the controlled cough technique is the pause for breathing control after one or two huffs. This prevents any increase in airflow obstruction in patients with bronchospasm or airway collapse. When the mucus has reached the upper airway, cough to expel secretions.
Huff Cough In Brief
1. Inhale
2. Hold your breath
3. Initiate huff maneuver
4. Breathing control
5. Cough to expel
Control your cough ------------ don't let it control you!
Karon,
I have copied the info. below from this website http://uuhsc.utah.edu/pated/handouts/handout.cfm?id=1693. It's very simple sounding but takes a lot of practice and self discipline to not cough the regular way. I'm working on it though. One of the main reasons, amongst many other health problems coughing causes, is incontinence. I really think that would be a bummer to have to deal with so I'm going to try to avoid it. Some of the young ladies on this site - in their late teens are already having pee problems. Good luck huffing! Age 4 I think is a great time to start. Do research and talk to your doctor though but my thinking is if she isn't producing with biological coughing then what harm could it cause in teaching her a new technique. Keep me posted through personal message if you don't mind.
Huff Coughing: Controlled Coughing Technique
Coughing is the natural way of removing foreign substances from the lungs. In Cystic Fibrosis there is an excess production of mucus, which must be removed to maintain open airways and allow you to move air in and out of your lungs effectively. Retained mucus contributes to the risk of infection. In addition, the mucus irritates nerve endings into the tracheobronchial tree and can cause frequent, involuntary coughing, causing fatigue. Ineffective coughing can also lead to airway compression, making it so you cannot clear or expel mucus. Huff cough is a gentle way of coughing, which attempts to accelerate airflow while keeping the glottis (throat) open. To conserve energy and oxygen, you must practice and master the method of controlled "Huff Cough".
When doing the Huff Cough, inhale slowly, using diaphragmatic breathing. Hold the breath for 3 seconds. Then do a forced exhalation with an open throat or glottis. Whisper the word "huff" as you cough, and keep your chin up. The huff is a forced maneuver but never violent. The length and force of the expiration can be altered to maximize airflow and minimize airway collapse. Huffing continued down to a low lung volume will help to mobilize and clear secretions in the peripheral airways. When secretions reach the larger airways they are cleared by a huff at high lung volume and quicker exhalation. An essential part of the controlled cough technique is the pause for breathing control after one or two huffs. This prevents any increase in airflow obstruction in patients with bronchospasm or airway collapse. When the mucus has reached the upper airway, cough to expel secretions.
Huff Cough In Brief
1. Inhale
2. Hold your breath
3. Initiate huff maneuver
4. Breathing control
5. Cough to expel
Control your cough ------------ don't let it control you!
I have copied the info. below from this website http://uuhsc.utah.edu/pated/handouts/handout.cfm?id=1693. It's very simple sounding but takes a lot of practice and self discipline to not cough the regular way. I'm working on it though. One of the main reasons, amongst many other health problems coughing causes, is incontinence. I really think that would be a bummer to have to deal with so I'm going to try to avoid it. Some of the young ladies on this site - in their late teens are already having pee problems. Good luck huffing! Age 4 I think is a great time to start. Do research and talk to your doctor though but my thinking is if she isn't producing with biological coughing then what harm could it cause in teaching her a new technique. Keep me posted through personal message if you don't mind.
Huff Coughing: Controlled Coughing Technique
Coughing is the natural way of removing foreign substances from the lungs. In Cystic Fibrosis there is an excess production of mucus, which must be removed to maintain open airways and allow you to move air in and out of your lungs effectively. Retained mucus contributes to the risk of infection. In addition, the mucus irritates nerve endings into the tracheobronchial tree and can cause frequent, involuntary coughing, causing fatigue. Ineffective coughing can also lead to airway compression, making it so you cannot clear or expel mucus. Huff cough is a gentle way of coughing, which attempts to accelerate airflow while keeping the glottis (throat) open. To conserve energy and oxygen, you must practice and master the method of controlled "Huff Cough".
When doing the Huff Cough, inhale slowly, using diaphragmatic breathing. Hold the breath for 3 seconds. Then do a forced exhalation with an open throat or glottis. Whisper the word "huff" as you cough, and keep your chin up. The huff is a forced maneuver but never violent. The length and force of the expiration can be altered to maximize airflow and minimize airway collapse. Huffing continued down to a low lung volume will help to mobilize and clear secretions in the peripheral airways. When secretions reach the larger airways they are cleared by a huff at high lung volume and quicker exhalation. An essential part of the controlled cough technique is the pause for breathing control after one or two huffs. This prevents any increase in airflow obstruction in patients with bronchospasm or airway collapse. When the mucus has reached the upper airway, cough to expel secretions.
Huff Cough In Brief
1. Inhale
2. Hold your breath
3. Initiate huff maneuver
4. Breathing control
5. Cough to expel
Control your cough ------------ don't let it control you!