Final answer:
Clearing secretions from the airway is indicated when natural processes like the mucociliary escalator and coughing are insufficient, during asthma attacks, or after aspiration to prevent or alleviate obstruction. The Heimlich maneuver may be required to remove foreign objects in the airway.
Step-by-step explanation:
It is indicated to attempt to clear secretions from the airway when the body's natural processes, which involve the mucociliary escalator, are not sufficient to remove mucus and debris. This can become necessary in various situations such as during an asthma attack, where airways are narrowed and clogged with mucus, making breathing difficult. Additionally, secretions should be cleared from the airway in cases of aspiration, where the Heimlich maneuver may be necessary to expel an obstructing object.
Coughing is a reflex that helps to clear the airway by expelling trapped mucus and pathogens through the forceful expulsion of air from the trachea. Sneezing serves a similar purpose, as it expels many pathogens from the respiratory tract, which is why it is important to cover the mouth and nose to prevent the spread of microbes. Both coughing and sneezing are body's natural mechanisms for airway clearance.