A technique that enables sputum (phlegm) or other secretions to drain from a person’s lungs in order to clear them.
The person lies in a way that allows the secretions to drain by gravity into the trachea, from where they are coughed up.
Tapping the person’s chest with cupped hands can help to loosen sticky secretions.
Facilitation of the drainage of secretions from dilated bronchi of the LUNGS. The patient lies on an inclined plane, head downwards, and is encouraged to cough up as much secretion from the lungs as possible. The precise position depends on which part of the lungs is affected. It may need to be carried out for up to three hours daily in divided periods. It is of particular value in BRONCHIECTASIS and lung abscess (see LUNGS, DISEASES OF).
n. the drawing off of fluid from a cavity in the body, usually fluid that has accumulated abnormally. For example, serous fluid may be drained from a swollen joint, pus removed from an internal abscess, or urine from an overdistended bladder. See also drain.... drainage
a series of therapeutic movements, using massage, developed to enhance lymph drainage, alleviate swelling, and improve wound healing.... manual lymphatic drainage
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