Vol. 7, Issue 9, Part C (2021)

Abstract
Background: COPD is defined as a disease state characterized by progressive development of chronic airflow limitation that is not fully reversible and includes chronic bronchitis, emphysema and smaller airway disease. Pulmonary function testing (PFT) reveals airflow obstruction on spirometry that manifests as a reduced forced expiratory flow in one second (FEV1)/forced vital capacity (FVC) ratio (FEV1/FVC). Airway mucus hypersecretion is one of the most important features of COPD which is manifested as cough with expectoration. Chronic cough and sputum production are a few key features of chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder. These occur due to mucus hypersecretion and ciliary dysfunction. Airway clearance techniques (ACTs) involve the application of forces to enhance sputum removal from the airways. ELTGOL is known to be effective in mucus clearance in patients with COPD, chronic bronchitis, bronchiectasis etc. The goal of ELTGOL is to control the expiratory flow to prevent airway closure and facilitate mucus clearance to avoid airway compression. There are various studies that show the positive effects of airway clearance techniques on pulmonary functions. The benefits of ELTGOL on mucus clearance have also been proved. But the effects of ELTGOL on the pulmonary functions have not yet been proven to the best of our knowledge. Therefore, this study will check the effects of ELTGOL on pulmonary functions in patients with COPD. 33 Subjects were selected and explained about the intervention. Pre intervention assessment using PFT was done and intervention was given for 2 weeks once a day for 30 minutes. Post intervention PFT was done and the data was then analysed.