What therapy is recommended for patients who can take a deep breath and perform a forced cough?

The recommended therapy for patients who can take a deep breath and perform a forced cough is positive expiratory pressure (PEP) therapy. PEP therapy involves the use of a device that creates resistance during exhalation, helping to keep the airways open and facilitate the removal of secretions from the lungs. This technique trains patients to exhale against a resistance, which helps to mobilize mucus, improve ventilation, and enhance airway clearance.

In the case of a patient who is capable of deep breathing and a strong cough, PEP therapy is particularly beneficial as it complements their ability to clear secretions. The therapy encourages effective breathing patterns and increases the volume of air they can exhale, which can assist in maintaining lung function and reducing the risk of atelectasis.

While other therapies like incentive spirometry or chest physiotherapy can also aid in lung function and secretion clearance, they may not directly utilize the capability of a forced cough as effectively as PEP therapy. Incentive spirometry primarily motivates patients to take deep breaths rather than creating resistance, while chest physiotherapy focuses more on manual techniques to loosen secretions. High-frequency oscillatory ventilation is a more advanced technique generally used in critical care settings, not commonly indicated for patients with sufficient cough strength and