When you're having trouble breathing due to mucus in your lungs, there are effective techniques to help clear it. These methods, which include postural drainage, chest percussion, and controlled coughing, can help move the mucus out, making breathing easier.
Techniques to Clear Mucus
Here's a breakdown of each technique:
1. Postural Drainage
- What it is: Postural drainage involves using gravity to help drain mucus from the lungs.
- How it works: You position your body in specific ways to encourage mucus to move from smaller airways to larger ones, where it's easier to cough out.
- Examples:
- Lying on your side with a pillow under your hips.
- Lying on your stomach with pillows under your hips.
- Sitting in a chair and leaning forward.
- Key takeaway: This technique requires you to adjust your position based on which lung areas need clearing and it is recommended that you follow a doctors advice for the correct postures for you.
2. Chest Percussion (Clapping)
- What it is: Chest percussion, often called chest clapping, is a method where you clap on the chest wall to dislodge mucus.
- How it works: Rhythmic clapping creates vibrations that help loosen the mucus so it can be coughed out.
- How to do it: Use a cupped hand and gently clap on different areas of the chest and upper back.
- Important: Chest percussion is often performed by a caregiver but you can self-perform the technique to some success.
- Note: Avoid percussion over bony areas or the spine.
3. Controlled Coughing
- What it is: Controlled coughing is a specific method of coughing designed to be more effective at clearing mucus.
- How it works: Instead of a forceful cough, you use short, gentle coughs that move mucus out of your lungs without tiring you out.
- How to do it:
- Take a slow, deep breath.
- Hold it for a few seconds.
- Cough out in a short, sharp burst.
- Repeat a few times as needed.
- Benefits: A controlled cough reduces strain and helps effectively move mucus.
Combining Techniques for Better Results
Using all three techniques—postural drainage, chest percussion, and controlled coughing—together often provides the best results. You should always seek advice from a doctor or medical professional about the best and most effective way to perform these methods.
| Technique | Description | Goal |
|---|---|---|
| Postural Drainage | Using gravity to help drain mucus through specific body positions. | Move mucus from smaller to larger airways. |
| Chest Percussion | Rhythmic clapping on the chest to loosen mucus. | Dislodge mucus from the airway walls. |
| Controlled Coughing | Gentle, sharp coughs to move mucus out of the lungs. | Effectively remove mucus without tiring the lungs or causing strain. |
By understanding and using these techniques, you can effectively remove mucus from your lungs and breathe easier.
