Abstract:
Studies have investigated airway clearance techniques in CF but few exist for non-CF bronchiectasis, particularly in children. The aim of this study si to compare airway clerance praactices in NZ children with CF and non-CF bronchiectasis. The study was conducted in the context of a clinical quality assurance audit of a hospital clinic service. Children and their families living in Greater Auckland and attending tertiary respiratory clinics were interviewed by a physiotherapist, who completed a questionnaire on frequency of cough, amount and type of airway clearance performed. Demographic data, age at diagnosis, duration of disease and the NZ Deprivation Index were noted. Children were grouped according to age-appropriate airway clearance techniques. 106 questionnaires were completed (81 bronchiectasis; 21 CF). Significant differences were demonstrated for ethnicity, depreivation score and duration of disease between groups. In teh 9-17 year olds 75% used a positive expiratory pressure device (23/35 bronchiectasis; 13/13 CF). in the 0-4 year olds 60% perfromed modified postural draining (13/25 bronchiectasis; 5/5 CF). When well, children wwith CF did more regular airway clearance than those with bronchiectasis (p=0.0004). Both groups increased the amount of airway clearance when unwell (p=>0.005). Similar numbers (<8%) reported doing no airway clearance techniques. The implications of the findings for paediatric physiotherapy practice in NZ are discussed.
