Cough therapy for sputum expulsion in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Abstract

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) encompasses a range of irreversible respiratory disorders, including chronic bronchitis, bronchiectasis, emphysema, and asthma. These conditions are characterized by persistent dyspnea and impaired airflow, presenting significant challenges in managing ineffective airway clearance. This study explores the efficacy of targeted cough therapy in improving sputum expulsion among patients with COPD experiencing ineffective airway clearance. Over a 3-day intervention period, patients participated in a regimen of specialized coughing exercises designed to enhance sputum removal. Post-intervention evaluations revealed that the implementation of effective cough techniques significantly improved airway clearance, highlighting their potential as a critical nursing intervention for COPD management. This study underscores the importance of integrating effective cough strategies into routine care to address the challenges of sputum management in patients with COPD, offering a practical solution to a common clinical problem.

Keywords: COPD; airway clearance; cough therapy; nursing intervention; nursing care