Abstract
Serious cough disorders occurring especially in neurological diseases such as spinal muscular atrophy, muscular dystrophy and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis are associated with a significant respiratory muscle weakness. Muscular dysfunction in these patients gradually reduces cough efficacy, which increases the risk of respiratory complications in these patients.
The most common complications include stagnation of bronchial secretions, increased risk for mucous plugging, development of atelectasis, increased risk of pneumonia and respiratory failure. Therefore, it is important to include mechanical insufflation/exsufflation with the CoughAssist machine in the comprehensive treatment of these patients.
This type of non-pharmacological therapy improves cough efficacy or completely replaces cough. CoughAssist machine can be used for treatment of serious cough disorders in paediatric and adult patients.
The indications for long-term home treatment using this device are listed in the national guidelines approved by the Czech Pneumological and Phthiseological Society and Czech Society of Paediatric Pneumology. This type of therapy can be indicated in specialized centres.
When patients meet the indication criteria partial reimbursement (75%) is possible from health insurance in the Czech Republic since 2017