Spinal Muscular Atrophy is a disease that affects the physical strengths of a person, such as walking, eating and breathing.
The Cough Assist Machines are in high demand from families whose children suffer from SMA. The machines help to clear secretions from the lungs by helping with breathing.
When the user breathes in (inspiration), the machine provides the user air (positive pressure) to help expand the lungs. When the user blows out (expiration), the machine creates a sucking force (negative pressure) that pulls the air out of the lungs. This rapid change in pressure during the different phases of breathing (inspiration and expiration) helps make the cough stronger and more effective.
Cough Assist clears secretions from the lungs by gradually applying a positive pressure to the airway, then rapidly shifting to negative pressure. The rapid shift in pressure produces a high expiratory flow, simulating a natural cough. Having the cough assist machine reduces the re occurrence of respiratory infections and is a non-invasive, safe and easy machine to operate.
“We are very grateful to The Honda Foundation to donating funds for us to have been able to purchase another Cough Assist Machine for families to use and help their children, who all believe that it is beneficial in maintaining quality of life.” Says Julie Cini, CEO of Spinal Muscular Atrophy Australia.
The Honda Foundation is funded by contributions from Honda Australia, private donors and more than 100 dealerships across the country. For nearly every new Honda vehicle sold in Australia, $15 is donated to the Foundation. Close to $11 million has so far been donated to hundreds of very worthy causes, including empowering disadvantaged Australians, providing relief for victims of natural disasters and supporting the development of new technologies and research to fight disease.
For further information on The Honda Foundation please visit: www.thehondafoundation.com.au
To help support Spinal Muscular Atrophy Australia please visit: https://smaaustralia.org.au/