29-Feb Autogenic Drainage

 

Autogenic Drainage

Definition: Autogenic drainage is a self-drainage technique that uses different speeds of breathing to move mucus. It is a respiratory self-drainage technique that utilizes controlled expiratory airflow to mobilize secretions.

It has three phases:

1. Unsticking
2. Collecting
3. Evacuating

Unsticking: This phase involves moving mucus from small airways.

Steps:

1. Control your breathing.
2. Relax.
3. Take a deep breath and exhale completely to empty the lungs.
4. Take a small breath through your nose.
5. Hold for 3 seconds.
6. Exhale all the air gently.
7. Repeat this process 2-3 times.

Collecting:

Steps:

1. Take one normal breath.
2. Hold for 3 seconds.
3. Exhale forcefully, allowing all the air to escape (it may feel like 1-2 coughs, but hold back the cough).
4. Repeat this process 3 times.

Evacuation:

1. Take a gentle deep breath.
2. Hold for 3 seconds.
3. Exhale all the air gently but forcefully.
4. Repeat this process 3 times.
5. Cough after completing the cycles 3 times.