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01-08-2009, 03:49 PM
That vest is garbage in my opinion. Perform CPT (chest physiotherapy) on your own. Do a web search for chest physiotherapy and start to practice. Ask his doc to order CPT and have it taught to the family. Basically, you cup your hands, position him in various drainage postitions, and pat above the area that has secretions. Positioning for drainage is key. The machines sure save time, but real CPT done with the human hand can not be beat. If the doc won't order CPT call the local hospital and ask if someone from the Respiratory department can assist you in learning CPT.He probably is too young for Pulmozyme, but not bronchodilators and steroids. I hope he is taking some of those just to make thing easier for him. CF is tough, but every year they seem to live just a bit longer. Aggressively stay with the CPT as it really does help.CPT is huge for CF patients when clearing secretions from the lungs. You could ask about mucomyst, but he is probably too little for that as well. Expectorants (cough syrups) can assist with his cough and other devices, such as Ultrasonic Nebulizers, can deliver a hypotonic aerosol to his airways that can break up dried secretions and make them easier to expel from the body. CPT + meds + aeorsol therapy (ultrasonic nebulizer is best in my opinion) + dedication will really help out at his age. Good luck.
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