Discussions
Discussions
Do you practice postural drainage techniques for airway clearance?
Replies
It’s really the only way to bring up sputum for me. Lay on my back, tilt head and shoulders back or even entire upper thoracic area. Huff breathing. Works for me.
Chrism,
So glad you found an effective airway clearance technique.
It's surprising for some that something so simple as gravity can really help to move mucus up and out! I hope that those in the community struggling with mucus clearance will give it a shot. There are some great reference images on the internet that show how to get in each position at home. Has anyone else tried postural drainage?
Christina,
Yes, there are so many great videos available to walk patients through this airway clearance process. I am so grateful for the internet.
I attempted to copy you tube videos but I wasn’t able to do so. Just search for postural drainage videos- there are so many great ones available.
I don't have an answer I'm just interested in ways to improve my breathing. I use the vest, huff cough and other techniques. I've noticed when I lay on my back it irritates my lungs and I start coughing. I never thought seriously about using it as a airway clearance. Will watch the videos.
Education is empowering! We must continue to try new methods until we find what airway clearance method is the most effective for us. A respiratory therapist can assist one in learning postural drainage. Please keep us posted.
I stumbled upon postural drainage of sorts myself before I was even diagnosed with bronchiectasis. It's the only thing that moves the mucus for me. It would be SO nice to have access to a respiratory therapist who could teach me something that works sitting up - not always possible to find a place to lie down. It is so time-consuming to watch YouTube videos that may or may not be useful in the end. I'm always afraid I may be doing more harm than good trying these things unsupervised, so to speak.
Hello! Have you asked your pulmonologist for a referral to a Respiratory
Comments
@Annie99 It's unfortunate that your provider wouldn't refer you. It would be worthwhile for anyone with a lung condition to see an RT for extra education. Unfortunately, many providers are uninformed about the benefits of pulmonary rehab and education that could be provided by an RT.
I found that my Aerobika PEP device to be far more effective if I use it while lying down with my hips elevated above my head.
Annie,
No harm in asking. Not many patients utilize RT output regularly as a resource since many doctors do not refer them to a RT.
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