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 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
How do you do chest percussion?
Chest percussion means that you lightly clap your chest and back. The clapping loosens the mucus in your lungs.
- Cup your hand, and lightly clap your chest and back.
- Ask your doctor where the best spots are to clap. Avoid your spine and breastbone.
- It may be easier to have someone do the clapping for you.
How to use chest percussion to clear your lungs
Chest percussion means that you lightly clap your chest and back. The clapping loosens the mucus in your lungs. Follow these steps to do chest percussion.
- Ask your doctor where the best spots are to clap. Avoid your spine and breastbone.
- Cup your hand, and lightly clap your chest and back.
It may be easier to have someone do the clapping for you.
- If you need to cough, sit up and do controlled coughing.
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