Long-term Airway Clearance Therapy in Non-cystic Fibrosis Bronchiectasis

The present project will be a single-blind , randomized, controlled trial of 12-month daily performing chest physiotherapy compared with usual care, followed by a 3-month intervention-free in non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis.

Intervention group will perform daily autonomous airway clearance techniques (positive expiratory pressure technique through Acapella device and autogenic drainage technique). Patients will receive professional sessions once a month.

Control group will receive their usual care and educational sessions about their disease. Physiotherapist will call them once a month.

During the study period the patients' pharmacological treatment remained unchanged

Inclusion criteria

• Chronic sputum production during at least 3 months previous enrolment
• At least two confirmed exacerbations during the last year
• Patients able to understand how to perform the airway clearance techniques
• Clinically stable at time of study entry (defined as no requirement for antibiotics or change in respiratory medication in the preceding 4 wk)
• To be able to provide written, informed consent

Exclusion criteria

• Cystic Fibrosis
• Carry out regular chest physiotherapy.
• Active haemoptysis during the previous month or recurrent hemoptysis during the last year (more than 4 episodes)
• Waiting a pulmonary transplant