Meghan has taught undergraduate and graduate level science courses and has a PhD in Immunology.
Think of the last time you ate a hamburger or french fries. Are you a fan of ketchup? The typical ketchup bottle is usually made of glass, with a larger base than neck. Recall when you turned the ketchup bottle upside down. It is likely that the ketchup didn't flow out of the glass easily. It may have taken a few shakes or hits of the bottle neck in order to get the ketchup to move down the glass. Eventually, after some effort, the ketchup descended slowly onto your plate.
Now imagine that the glass bottle represents your lungs and the ketchup is the mucus that fills your lungs. Mucus is important for coating the lungs and protecting against debris and germs; however, there are times when the substance becomes too thick or full, leading to respiratory dysfunction. A buildup of excess mucus can even enhance the risk of infection. Common causes of mucus buildup include bronchitis, cystic fibrosis, and spinal cord injury. Although it is somewhat unappetizing to picture mucus as the ketchup, similar issues can occur with trying to get the phlegm to emerge from the lungs.
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A therapy known as postural drainage is used to help remove mucus from your lungs. Postural drainage is a therapy that involves moving a person into specific positions to help drain mucus from the lungs. With the aid of gravity and specific positioning, the mucus slowly moves to the mouth, where it can then be spit out.
Postural drainage is often recommended daily by a respiratory therapist. It can be done at the doctor's office or at home, in the morning or right before bedtime. In order to effectively perform postural drainage, you should get into a comfortable position for 5-15 minutes, breathing in through your nose and out through your mouth. Some of the positions that are most effective include sitting up with your back supported by a cushion, placing a pillow under your stomach and lying chest down, and lying on your back, with a pillow supporting your lower back. In cases where the mucus buildup is more severe, the doctor or therapist may also prescribe percussion and/or vibration. Percussion involves clapping against your chest, whereas vibration includes using a flat hand against your ribs and shaking. Both supplementary techniques should not be done too aggressively. Once the session is complete and successful, coughing up the mucus (and enjoying improved breathing) should result.
In the case of a typical ketchup bottle, it may take some force to get the substance to pour out onto your plate. Similarly, if mucus builds up in your lungs, it may take some effort to remove the blockage before respiratory dysfunction occurs. Postural drainage is a therapy used to position the body in such a way that gravity is able to help expel mucus through the mouth. Supplementary techniques, such as percussion and vibration, may also be used in accordance with postural drainage to facilitate the removal of mucus buildup.
Medical Disclaimer: The information on this site is for your information only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.
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