Hi Bubbie!!!

Increased pressure gradient! During a breath hold, especially at full inspiration, there is an increased pressure gradient between adjacent alveoli. This higher pressure difference encourages air-flow through the pores of Kohn from areas of higher pressure to lower pressure.

This means that if there is mucus blocking an air sac, the breath hold increases the pressure and pushes the air into the neighboring sac to dislodge mucus. Bradley discusses this in his talk. However, some people are short of breath and breath holds might not be a good practice. With that said, if you are able to hold your breath for a couple of seconds while using a device like the Aerobika it might be beneficial. Dr PJ McShane from UT Tyler seems to regularly mention breath holds.

Do not change your current practices without first discussing them with your medical team. 🙂
Linda Esposito

I hope this answers your question