What is clearing your lungs?

Clearing Your Lungs
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Postural drainage

Postural drainage is a series of body positions that use gravity to drain mucus from the lungs into the mouth so the person can spit it out. Postural drainage often helps people who have chronic lung disease, such as cystic fibrosis, to drain mucus from different parts of their lungs.

Draining mucus from the lungs can:

  • Help prevent infections, which may lead to fewer lung problems.
  • Open airways, which can lead to better breathing.
  • Lead to an improved quality of life.
  • Reduce the risk of life-threatening complications.

How to do controlled coughing to clear your lungs

Coughing is how your body tries to get rid of mucus. But the kind of coughing you cannot control makes things worse. It causes your airways to close. It also traps the mucus in your lungs.

Controlled coughing loosens mucus and moves it through your airways. It is best to do it after you use your inhaler or other medicine. Follow these steps for controlled coughing.

  1. Sit on the edge of a chair, and keep both feet on the floor.
  2. Lean forward a little, and relax.
  3. Breathe in slowly through your nose, and fold your arms over your belly.
  4. Hold your breath for 3 to 5 seconds before the exhale.
  5. As you exhale, lean forward. Push your arms against your belly.
  6. Cough 2 or 3 times as you exhale with your mouth slightly open.

    Make the coughs short and sharp. Push on your belly with your arms as you cough. The first cough brings the mucus through the lung airways. The next coughs bring it up and out.

  7. Inhale again, but do it slowly and gently through your nose.

    Do not take quick or deep breaths through your mouth. It can block the mucus coming out of the lungs. It also can cause uncontrolled coughing.

  8. Rest, and repeat if you need to.

How does clearing your lungs help you breathe?

When you have too much mucus in your lungs, learning to clear your lungs may help you save energy and improve your breathing. It may also help prevent lung infections.

Here are three ways to clear your lungs:

  • Postural drainage
  • Chest and back percussion
  • Controlled coughing

Postural drainage: Front

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You can lie in different positions to help clear your lungs. To help drain mucus from the front of your lungs, lie on your back. Make sure your chest is lower than your hips. Put two or three pillows under your hips. Use a small pillow under your head if it helps you feel more comfortable. Keep your arms at your sides. Take slow, deep breaths.

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