Active Cycle of Breathing Techniques (ACBT) and Pulmonary Volumes

Flashcards covering Active Cycle of Breathing Techniques and Pulmonary Volumes and Capacities.

Active Cycle of Breathing Techniques (ACBT)

Techniques used to mobilize and clear excess pulmonary secretions and improve lung function.

Breathing Control

A phase of ACBT used in between other exercises to help relax airways, typically involving 6 gentle breaths with minimal effort.

Deep Breathing Exercises or Thoracic Expansion Exercises

A phase of ACBT involving a long, slow, deep breath in through the nose (if possible), a three-second end-inspiratory hold, and a relaxed, unforced expiration.

Huffing or Forced Expiratory Technique (FET)

A phase of ACBT where one exhales through an open mouth and throat.

Inspiratory Reserve Volume (IRV)

The amount of air that you can breathe in over and above the tidal volume.

Resting Tidal Volume (VT)

The amount of air you move into or out of your lungs during a single respiratory cycle under resting conditions.

Expiratory Reserve Volume (ERV)

The amount of air that you can voluntarily expel after you have completed a normal, quiet respiratory cycle.

Inspiratory Capacity

The amount of air that you can draw into your lungs after you have completed a quiet respiratory cycle; sum of the tidal volume and the inspiratory reserve volume.

Vital Capacity

The maximum amount of air that you can move into or out of your lungs in a single respiratory cycle; the sum of the expiratory reserve volume, the tidal volume, and the inspiratory reserve volume.

Functional Residual Capacity (FRC)

The amount of air remaining in your lungs after you have completed a quiet respiratory cycle; the sum of the expiratory reserve volume and the residual volume.

Minimal Volume

The amount of air that would remain in your lungs if they were allowed to collapse; ranges from 30 to 120 mL and cannot be measured in a healthy person.

Total Lung Capacity

The total volume of your lungs, calculated by adding the vital capacity and the residual volume; averages around 6000 mL in males and 4200 mL in females.

Residual Volume

The amount of air that remains in your lungs even after a maximal exhalation.

Irritation

An inflammatory, mechanical, chemical, or psychological stimuli initiates the cough reflex.

Inspiration

A deep breath is taken (approximately 1-2 L of air) to increase lung volume.

Compression

The glottis closes and the expiratory muscles contract to increase the pressure in the lungs (up to 100 mm Hg).

Expulsion

The glottis opens, and the abdominal and expiratory muscles contract forcefully to expel air. Airflow rates can reach up to 500 miles/hour, removing the irritant from the airways.