Bronchiectasis is a persistent and progressive condition characterized by inflammation and infection causing damage that potentiates impaired mucociliary clearance. The rationale for promoting airway clearance is so that purulent secretions are removed from the airways, ameliorating the inflammation and improving control of symptoms such as cough and sputum plugging. Physiotherapists aim to teach patients one of a variety of airway clearance techniques to regularly perform as part of their daily management.
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