Which patients benefit from abdominal thrusts to assist with cough?

Abdominal thrusts, often associated with the Heimlich maneuver, are used to help clear the airway of obstruction and assist patients in generating an effective cough. Patients who benefit from abdominal thrusts are those with decreased respiratory muscle function. This condition may limit the ability of these patients to generate enough pressure to cough effectively on their own, which is crucial for clearing mucus and other obstructive materials from the airways.

In cases where respiratory muscles are weak, due to conditions such as neuromuscular disorders or severe respiratory illnesses, the additional force generated by abdominal thrusts can help facilitate the coughing process. This support can prevent complications from retained secretions and improve airway clearance.

Other patient groups mentioned, such as those with asthma, typically manage their conditions with bronchodilators and anti-inflammatory medications rather than mechanical assistance like abdominal thrusts. Patients with normal respiratory function are generally capable of effective coughing without assistance, and those in acute respiratory distress may require a more comprehensive medical intervention rather than just abdominal thrusts, as their situation could involve various issues like severe obstruction, fluid accumulation, or other respiratory pathologies that demand specialized care.