Statistical analysis Statistical analyses were performed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS version 10.0). Wet sputum weight and volume were analyzed using a Student’s paired t-test. Crossover analysis was doneusingtheSTATApackage(testdoneforanalysis of variance measureincrossover trials)forforcedvital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1)andFEV1/FVC.Awithin-groupcomparison for PFT values (pre and post) was done using a Student’s paired t-test. VAS scores for ‘‘comfort’’ were compared using MannWhitney U test. A pvalue of 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results All 35 patients (eight women and 27 men) with a mean age of 45.8911.2 years completed the study. There were 17 patients (five women and 12 men) who underwent conventional therapy as the first-line therapy and 18 patients (three women and 15 men) underwent ACBTas the first-line therapy.