Postural drainage

DefinitionPurposeIndicationContraindicationArticlesPositions for draining different areas of lungs ProcedureAfter careSpecial considerations

Postural drainage

Definition

Postural drainage is the gravitational clearance of secretions from specific bronchial segments by using one or more of different positions.

Postural drainage

PurposeIndication

Contraindication&

Articles requiredSame as chest physiotherapy

Postural drainage

Positions for draining different area of lung

Left and right upper lobes anterior apical bronchi

Patient sit in a chair leaning back

Left and right upper lobes posterior apical bronchi

Patient sit in a chair leaning forward on pillow or cardiac table

Postural drainage

Positions for draining different area of lung

Right and left anterior upper lobe bronchi

Patient lie flat on back with small pillow under knees and Percuss & vibrate just below the clavicle on either side of sternum

Left upper lobe lingular bronchusPatient should lie on his right side with

arm over head in Trendelenburg position with foot of bed raised 30 cm. place pillow behind back and roll patient 1/4th on to pillow. Percuss and vibrate lateral to left nipple area below axilla.

Postural drainage

Positions for draining different area of lung

Right middle lobe bronchusPatient should lie on his left side with

arm over head in Trendelenburg position with foot of bed raised 30 cm. place pillow behind back and roll patient 1/4th on to pillow. Percuss and vibrate lateral to right nipple area below axilla.

Left and right anterior lower lobe bronchi

Patient should lie on back in Trendelenburg position with foot of bed elevated 45-50 cm. knees should be bent on pillow. Percuss and vibrate over lower anterior ribs on both sides.

Postural drainage

Positions for draining different area of lung

Right lower lobe lateral bronchusPatient should lie on left side in

Trendelenburg position with foot of bed raised to 45-50 cm. Percuss and vibrate on right side of the chest below scapula posterior to mid Axillary line.

Left lower lobe lateral bronchusPatient should lie on right side in

Trendelenburg position with foot of bed raised to 45-50 cm. Percuss and vibrate on left side of the chest below scapula posterior to mid Axillary line.

Postural drainage

Positions for draining different area of lung

Right and left lower lobe superior bronchi

Patient should lie flat on his abdomen with pillow under abdomen. Percuss and vibrate below scapula on either side of spine

Right and left posterior basal bronchi

Patient should lie on his abdomen in Trendelenburg position with foot of bed elevated 45-50 cm. Percuss and vibrate over posterior ribs on either side of spine.

Postural drainage

Procedure

With the mentioned positioning of postural

drainage follow the procedure of chest physiotherapy i.e.

percussion and vibration.

Postural drainage

After care&

Special consideration Same as chest physiotherapy