Postural drainage

postural drainage

n.

A therapeutic technique for drainage, used in bronchiectasis and lung abscess, in which the patient is placed head downward so that the trachea is down and below the affected area.

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Postural drainage

This technique uses the force of gravity to assist in effectively draining secretions from the lungs and into the central airway where they can either be coughed up or suctioned out. The patient is placed in a head or chest down position and is kept in this position for up to 15 minutes. Critical care patients and those depending on mechanical ventilation receive postural drainage therapy four to six times daily. Percussion and vibration may be performed in conjunction with postural drainage.

Mentioned in: Atelectasis, Chest Physical Therapy, Spinal Cord Injury