Airway Clearance

Airway clearance techniques (ACTs) loosen thick, sticky mucus so it can be cleared from your lungs by coughing or huffing. Clearing the airways may help decrease lung infections and improve lung function. 

What You Need To Know

Blog Post

Chest Physical Therapy

Chest physical therapy (CPT or Chest PT) is an airway clearance technique (ACT) to drain the lungs, and may include percussion (clapping), vibration, deep breathing, and huffing or coughing.

Learn more

  1. Article

    Basics of Lung Care

    Although cystic fibrosis affects many parts of the body, for most people who have the disease it is their lung function that presents the great challenge, often affecting their ability to breathe. These guidelines can help people living with CF maintain the highest lung function possible. 

    Learn more

  2. Article

    Airway Clearance Techniques (ACTs)

    There are different ways to clear your airways. Most are easy to do. Infants and toddlers will need help from a parent or caregiver. Older kids and adults can choose ACTs that they can do on their own.

    Learn more

  3. Article

    Coughing and Huffing

    Coughing is the most basic airway clearance technique (ACT). It can be an involuntary reflex or it can be controlled as a healthy, natural way for the lungs to get rid of mucus.

    Learn more

  1. Article

    Active Cycle of Breathing Technique (ACBT)

    Active cycle of breathing technique (ACBT) involves three phases of breathing techniques. The first phase helps you relax your airways. The second phase helps you to get air behind mucus and clears mucus. The third phase, huffing, helps force the mucus out of your lungs.

    Learn more

  2. Article

    Autogenic Drainage (AD)

    Autogenic drainage (AD) means “self-drainage” and uses different speeds of breathing to move mucus. To do it, your respiratory therapist can teach you how to control your breaths. You will learn how fast and deeply to breathe to fill certain parts of your lungs with air.

    Learn more

  3. Article

    Positive Expiratory Pressure

    Positive expiratory pressure (PEP) therapy gets air into the lungs and behind the mucus using extra (collateral) airways.

    Learn more

  4. Article

    High-Frequency Chest Wall Oscillation (the Vest)

    High-frequency chest wall oscillation involves an inflatable vest that is attached to a machine. The machine mechanically performs chest physical therapy by vibrating at a high frequency. The vest vibrates the chest to loosen and thin mucus. Every five minutes, the person stops the machine and coughs or huffs. 

    Learn more

  5. Topic

    Fitness

    Regular physical activity or exercise provides multiple benefits for those with cystic fibrosis. These benefits are more than improved lung function — they also help to strengthen bones, in managing diabetes and heart disease and improve your mood.

    Learn more

Find a Clinical Trial

Help us blaze a trail to better treatments and a cure for CF. Find a clinical trial that may be right for you.

Search Trials