[Techniques favoring airway clearance in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis].

Although noninvasive ventilation may improve survival in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), ineffective airway clearance is an important cause of therapeutic failure. We report in this paper the main studies which have assessed assisted cough techniques in patients with ALS. Manually assisted cough (in particular with previous air stacking) and mechanical insufflation/exsufflation may significantly increase cough peak flow. Characteristics, limitations and long-term benefits of these techniques are also discussed.