Mucociliary clearance velocities in human and rat bronchial airways were calculated in asymmetric, multiple-path models of the bronchial tree by solving mass transport equations based on the assumption of conservation of mucus volume and normalized to measured tracheal mucus velocities of 5.5 mm/min for humans and 1.9 mm/min for rats. Mucus velocities in single airways of the rat lung exhibited...

Sputum induction is used in the early identification of tuberculosis (TB) and pneumocystis infections of the lung. Although manual physiotherapy techniques to clear the airways are often incorporated in the sputum induction procedure, their efficacy in this setting is unknown. This randomised, crossover trial enrolled adults referred for sputum induction for suspected TB and pneumocystis infect...

Airway mucins, the major component of airway mucus or apical surface fluid that covers the entire surface of the airways, have been shown to possess multi-factorial functions that are necessary for first line defense, the major function of airway mucus. In this mini-review, I will provide some evidence, both theoretical and experimental, that the multi-factorial functions of airway mucins are m...

At birth the mammalian airway switches from liquid secretion to absorption, an important mechanism in lung liquid clearance. Airway ion transport was examined on the first postnatal day in 38 moderately preterm infants (29-36 weeks gestation). The absorptive airway ion transport capacity was well developed regardless of respiratory condition and there was little capacity for Cl- secretion.

BACKGROUND Airway clearance may be impaired in disorders associated with abnormal cough mechanics, altered mucus rheology, altered mucociliary clearance, or structural airway defects. A variety of interventions are used to enhance airway clearance with the goal of improving lung mechanics and gas exchange, and preventing atelectasis and infection. METHOD A formal systematic review of nonpharm...