PLEASE NOTE: The information in this section is meant as a general guide to help parents and caregivers with common issues and is not intended to replace the care provided by your child’s healthcare team. 

Discuss your child’s unique needs with the healthcare team, including WHO and WHEN to contact when problems arise.

 

Stomach upset during lung volume recruitment technique or insufflation/exsufflation technique

Chest/abdominal discomfort or pain during lung volume recruitment (breath stacking) or insufflation/exsufflation technique

Dizziness or fatigue

Bloating of the abdomen with burping after lung volume recruitment technique or insufflation/exsufflation technique

Inability to expectorate (clear) the secretions

Leak around the mouthpiece during lung volume recruitment technique or insufflation/exsufflation technique

Leak from the nose during lung volume recruitment technique or insufflation/exsufflation technique

Abdomen does not move outwardly during lung volume recruitment technique or insufflation/exsufflation technique

 

For specific advice on your child or any other questions, do not hesitate to contact your child’s healthcare team.

When to consult your healthcare team

Respiration/respiratory muscles

  • Your child experiences chest/abdominal pain during lung volume recruitment technique or manual thrusts.
  • You are unable to clear your child’s secretions.
  • Your child’s abdomen does not move outwards during lung volume recruitment technique or insufflation/exsufflation technique.

Equipment

  • A leak around the mouthpiece or through the nose that persists during lung volume recruitment technique or insufflation/exsufflation technique.

Health

  • Your child experiences severe dizziness that lasts after 2 consecutive sessions of cough assist.
  • Your child’s abdomen remains bloated and/or your child burps after lung volume recruitment technique or insufflation/exsufflation technique

Your child’s healthcare team will verify your cough assist techniques, the equipment used and any adjustments that may be required, during your child’s follow-up appointment.

Do not hesitate to contact your healthcare team with any specific questions concerning your child.