Aerobika

AEROBIKA® Oscillating Positive Expiratory Pressure (OPEP) Therapy System

Name: The device is commonly known as AEROBIKA® or AEROBIKA® OPEP Device. It is an Oscillating Positive Expiratory Pressure (OPEP) Therapy System, distributed by companies like Lupin Ltd. under its RESPIRA ORIAN DIV.

Composition: The AEROBIKA® OPEP device is a drug-free, handheld device designed for airway clearance. It consists of four main parts: a mouthpiece, a case, a valve cartridge, and a resistance indicator. The innovative pressure-oscillation mechanism within the device creates positive pressure pulses and vibrations during exhalation.

Uses: The AEROBIKA® OPEP device is used to aid in the loosening and removal of excess mucus buildup in the lungs. It is prescribed for individuals with chronic lung conditions such as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), bronchiectasis, and cystic fibrosis, helping to improve breathing and reduce the number of infections. It works by creating intermittent resistance and vibrations, which help to open weak or collapsed airways, thin and loosen mucus, and move it to the upper airways where it can be coughed out.

Dosage and Administration: The device is used by breathing into it, typically while sitting upright.

• Preparation: Ensure the resistance indicator is set as prescribed by a healthcare professional.
• Technique: Seal lips tightly around the mouthpiece. Take a deeper-than-normal breath, hold for 2-3 seconds, then exhale actively but not forcefully, ensuring exhalation lasts 3-4 times longer than inhalation. Maintain firm cheeks during exhalation.
• Cycle: Repeat this breathing maneuver for 10-20 breaths.
• Mucus Clearance: After a cycle, perform 2-3 "huff coughs" to clear loosened mucus, followed by a deeper cough if needed.
• Frequency: This cycle is generally repeated for 10-20 minutes, 2-4 times a day, or as prescribed by a healthcare provider.
• Combined Therapy: The AEROBIKA® device can be used in conjunction with a small volume nebulizer, allowing for combined therapy with prescribed medications like bronchodilators or hypertonic saline.

Side Effects: Users should discontinue use and contact their healthcare provider if they experience dizziness, lightheadedness, or any discomfort during therapy.

Precautions:

• A healthcare provider will set the appropriate resistance level.
• Proper cleaning of the device is crucial to reduce the risk of infection.
• Medicines intended to stay in the lungs (e.g., antibiotics) are not recommended for simultaneous use with the AEROBIKA® device and a nebulizer; these should be taken after completing OPEP treatment.

Storage: The AEROBIKA® device should be cleaned daily after use and disinfected at least once a week.

• Daily Cleaning: Disassemble the device, wash parts with warm water and mild liquid soap, soak for 15-20 minutes, rinse, and air dry completely before reassembling. It is also dishwasher safe (top rack, plastic basket).
• Disinfection: This can be done by boiling the parts for 5 minutes or using a cold sterilizing solution. For chest infections, daily disinfection is recommended.
• Maintenance: If maintained according to instructions, the device can be used for up to 12 months.

The AEROBIKA device by LUPIN LTD-RESPIRA ORIAN DIV is an Oscillating Positive Expiratory Pressure (OPEP) device, not a traditional medicine. It is a handheld, drug-free device used for airway clearance in individuals with chronic respiratory conditions.

Here are some frequently asked questions about the AEROBIKA OPEP device:

What is the AEROBIKA device used for?

The AEROBIKA device is used to help clear excess mucus and secretions from the airways, making it easier to breathe. It is beneficial for individuals with chronic lung conditions such as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), bronchiectasis, and cystic fibrosis, as these conditions often involve excessive mucus production.

How does the AEROBIKA device work?

The AEROBIKA device functions by creating both resistance and vibrations (oscillations) during exhalation. When you breathe out through the device, it generates positive expiratory pressure, which helps to hold airways open, preventing them from collapsing. Simultaneously, the oscillations help to loosen and thin the mucus attached to the airway walls, moving it towards the larger airways where it can be coughed out more easily.

How should I use the AEROBIKA device?

To use the AEROBIKA device, sit in a comfortable, upright position. Seal your lips tightly around the mouthpiece. Inhale slowly and deeper than normal, holding your breath for 2-3 seconds. Then, exhale firmly but not forcefully through the device, keeping your cheeks flat. Exhalation should ideally last 3-4 times longer than inhalation. Repeat this cycle for 10-20 breaths, then perform 2-3 "huff coughs" to clear any loosened mucus. The entire procedure typically lasts 10-20 minutes.

What is the usual dosage/frequency for using the AEROBIKA device?

The AEROBIKA device is typically used for 10-20 minute sessions, twice a day. Your healthcare professional may recommend adjusting the frequency (e.g., 3-4 times a day) if you are producing a significant amount of mucus or during a chest infection.

What are the possible side effects?

There are no documented side effects directly caused by the AEROBIKA device itself. However, some users may experience mild and temporary symptoms such as dizziness, increased coughing as mucus is cleared, shortness of breath, or discomfort. If dizziness occurs, stop using the device until it clears and always use it while sitting down. Rarely, hemoptysis (bleeding from the lungs) has been reported as an adverse event.

Are there any contraindications or precautions?

The AEROBIKA device is not recommended for patients who are unable to tolerate increased work of breathing or those with certain medical conditions. These include intracranial pressure greater than 20 mm Hg, hemodynamic instability, recent facial, oral, or skull surgery/trauma, acute sinusitis, epistaxis (nosebleed), esophageal surgery, nausea, active hemoptysis, untreated pneumothorax (collapsed lung), or known/suspected tympanic membrane rupture or other middle ear pathology. It is important to consult your healthcare provider to ensure it is safe for you to use.

Can the AEROBIKA device be used with other medications?

Yes, the AEROBIKA is a drug-free device and can be an add-on therapy to your existing medications. It can be used simultaneously with nebulized aerosol drug delivery. If you use a short-acting bronchodilator, it is generally recommended to use the bronchodilator 15 minutes before using the AEROBIKA device to help open the airways.

How should the AEROBIKA device be cleaned and stored?

For daily cleaning, the device should be disassembled into its four main parts (mouthpiece, top case, bottom case, and valve cartridge) and washed in hot, soapy water. Alternatively, it can be placed on the top rack of a dishwasher. For weekly disinfection, after washing, you can boil the disassembled parts for five minutes, use an electronic steam sterilizer, or soak them in 70% isopropyl alcohol or 3% hydrogen peroxide. After cleaning and disinfecting, allow all parts to air dry thoroughly before reassembling. Your AEROBIKA device should be replaced every 12 months or immediately if it breaks.