COVID-19

IMPACT OF COVID-19 AND INFECTIOUS
RESPIRATORY DISEASES

Over the last 20 years, new respiratory pathogens have emerged that cause severe respiratory distress.

COVID-19 is a severe respiratory syndrome caused by a novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2). It can result in asymptomatic infection, mild upper respiratory tract illness, and severe viral pneumonia with respiratory failure1.

In many patients, COVID-19 may lead to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and death. Effective airway clearance can play a role in improving quality of care and saving lives.

THE IMPORTANCE OF
MUCUS CLEARANCE

Effective and early removal of mucus in the airway is critical to the prognosis of severely ill COVID-19 patients. Reducing the build-up of mucus in the airways is required to reduce morbidity, mortality, and strain on medical resources, while also improving quality of life.

Large amounts of sticky mucus and hyaline membranes have been found in some patients1. A relationship exists between the viscosity of the mucus and the severity of illness2. As the disease progresses, sputum may gradually increase, becoming more sticky and difficult to expectorate without assistance.

USING THE FREQUENCER® REDUCES
HOSPITAL LoS AND ICU ADMITTANCE

The Frequencer® provides airway clearance therapy and promotes bronchial drainage using acoustics to act on the lungs and the mucus. It is a convenient and non-invasive alternative to harsh and painful percussive and shaking techniques, as well as to techniques that predominantly produce fine aerosols.

Treatment with the Frequencer® is indicated for all patients, including those mechanically ventilated. The Frequencer® can help to reduce hospital length of stay (LoS), avoid admittance to the ICU, and help to prevent hospital re-admittance.

REHABILITATION OF LONG-COVID

Long-COVID or Post-Acute Sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 (PASC) is leaving a lasting impact on patients in recovery of their infection from the virus. It is estimated3 that 23% of the COVID-positive population will experience long-COVID symptoms and may require additional treatment including lung rehabilitation.

Patients may experience fatigue, body aches, and shortness of breath, among others. In fact 6% of hospitalized patients have reported breathing difficulties, including dyspnea, as a post-COVID condition4. For those impacted by mucus, non-invasive chest physiotherapy with the Frequencer® can help remove mucus secretions and improve lung function.

FOOTNOTES

1 https://covid19treatmentguidelines.nih.gov/overview/clinical-spectrum/ – last updated April 21, 2021
2 Liu Q, Wang RS, Qu GO et al: Gross examination report of a COVID-19 death autopsy Fa Yi Xue Zhi 2020: 36: 21-23.
3 Wang Y, Zhang M, Yu Y, Han T, Zhou J, Bi L: Sputum characteristics and airway clearance methods in patients with severe COVID-19. Medicine 2020; 99: 46 (e23257).
4 https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/the-tragedy-of-the-post-covid-long-haulers-202010152479
5 https://www.fairhealth.org A FAIR Health White Paper, June 15, 2021: A Detailed Study of Patients with Long-Haul COVID