Precautions and contraindications



The EMST150 – Respiratory Muscle Training (RMT) is drug-free, suitable for almost everyone and should not cause any harmful side effects when used properly.

If you have any doubts about the suitability of the EMST150, please consult your doctor or therapist.

Please read the following information on precautions and contraindications to ensure that you use the EMST150 device safely and correctly:



Precautions:


To prevent the possible transmission of infections, we recommend that you do not share your EMST150 device with other users, including family members. We recommend that you clean the device once a month.


The EMST150 is designed to train your exhalation muscles. Any other use is neither intended nor implied.


During training with the EMST150, you should feel resistance, but this should not be painful. If you experience pain when using an inhalation or exhalation device, stop training immediately and consult your doctor or therapist.


It is recommended that you consult a doctor before using an EMST device, especially if you have any of the following conditions:


  • History of spontaneous pneumothorax
  • After traumatic pneumothorax and/or a broken rib, the EMST150 should not be used until full recovery.
  • For patients with cerebrospinal fluid drainage or the need to monitor intracranial pressure, the consent/instruction of the doctor for EMST/IMST must be obtained.
  • Recent surgery in the face, mouth, throat, skull or chest area (including heart surgery) or trauma.
  • Epistaxis/nosebleeds.
  • Oesophageal surgery.
  • Active haemoptysis/coughing up blood
  • Lung transplant, lung resection
  • When used in tracheotomy patients, the tracheal cuff must be completely deflated and the patient must be able to manage secretions adequately. In addition, you should obtain a doctor's prescription and approval. In patients who have recently undergone decannulation, the tracheostoma should be completely closed/healed and a doctor's prescription should be obtained.


In addition, the following contraindications from the manufacturer apply:


  • Asthma patients with low symptom perception who suffer from frequent severe exacerbations or have an unusually low perception of dyspnoea.
  • Patients with a ruptured eardrum or other ear disease.
  • Patients who are or may be pregnant.
  • Patients with untreated and uncontrollable reflux.
  • Patients with untreated and uncontrollable hypertension
  • Patients with abdominal hernia or recent abdominal surgery



Information for healthcare professionals: Suitability for expiratory training should be decided on an individual basis. The so-called "Valsalva manoeuvre" could be used as a good analogy to discuss suitability with the therapeutic/medical team. If Valsalva is contraindicated, this also applies to training with the EMST. Clinical experience and expertise are crucial when using EMST150 or EMST75 lite in patients. If in doubt, consult your doctor or therapist.