Exercising our options: comparing effects of exercise and positive expiratory pressure on mucociliary clearance. Issue 4 (18th April 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Donaldson, Scott H.
• Is Part Of: European respiratory journal. Volume 53:Issue 4(2019)
• Publication Date: 2019-04-18
• Subjects: Respiratory organs -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Respiration -- Periodicals; 616.2
• DOI: 10.1183/13993003.00510-2019
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0903-1936

Abstract

Cystic fibrosis (CF) lung disease is characterised by defective clearance of airway secretions that are hyperconcentrated, viscous, and serve as the nidus of chronic polymicrobial infection. The pathophysiological events that link CFTR channel dysfunction to mucus obstruction of airways are multifactorial, complex and an ongoing source of debate [1, 2]. Despite the availability of multiple "symptomatic therapies" that target mucus retention (hypertonic saline, mannitol, dornase alfa and mucolytics), mechanical clearance of airway secretions has continued to be a cornerstone of treatment across patient populations [3]. Indeed, even with the emergence of highly effective CFTR modulators, which target the basic CF defect and improve mucociliary clearance [4], mechanical airway clearance techniques (ACT) are typically continued. This editorial discusses the paper by Dwyer and co-workers: "Effects of exercise and airway clearance (PEP) on mucus clearance in cystic fibrosis", including implications for clinical care and future research http://ow.ly/3P6X30o6EaK