What type of therapy may be used for airway clearance in Bronchiolitis/RSV?

Manual chest clapping, or percussion therapy, is a technique used to assist with airway clearance. In infants and young children diagnosed with bronchiolitis or respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), this method can help mobilize secretions in the lungs, improving respiratory function and facilitating easier breathing. The gentle clapping motion creates vibrations that can loosen mucus in the airways, making it easier for the child to expel the secretions.

While expectorant medications can be useful for promoting mucus secretion in other respiratory conditions, their efficacy in young children with bronchiolitis is limited, as most expectorants have not been proven effective in this population. High-flow nasal cannula is more about providing supplemental oxygen and improving lung mechanics rather than directly aiding in mucus clearance. Bronchodilators may provide some benefit in managing wheezing or bronchospasm, but their use in bronchiolitis is not universally recommended due to mixed evidence regarding their effectiveness. Therefore, manual chest clapping stands out as a targeted intervention specifically aimed at enhancing airway clearance in the context of bronchiolitis and RSV.