Which of the following is an indication for airway clearance therapy in chronic conditions?

Airway clearance therapy is a treatment aimed at assisting patients in mobilizing and clearing secretions from the airways. It is particularly important in chronic conditions where mucus retention can lead to infections, lung damage, and breathing difficulties.

The selection of neuromuscular disorders as an indication for airway clearance therapy is supported by the fact that these conditions can impair the respiratory muscles leading to ineffective cough. Patients with neuromuscular disorders often struggle to generate enough strength for adequate airway defense and secretion clearance, which can cause mucus accumulation and increase the risk of respiratory complications. Therefore, airway clearance therapy becomes essential for these patients to maintain lung hygiene and prevent further pulmonary issues.

Other conditions listed, such as acute hypotension, ineffective cough, and hypoxemia, may not directly justify the use of airway clearance therapy as a primary intervention. Acute hypotension typically relates to cardiovascular issues rather than airway clearance needs. Ineffective cough is often a symptom of underlying issues that may require a broader management approach rather than immediate airway clearance therapy. Likewise, hypoxemia, which indicates low oxygen levels in the blood, can occur for various reasons that aren’t solely related to the inability to clear secretions. Proper identification of the underlying cause is necessary to determine the appropriate interventions.