COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) causes difficulty in breathing, exacerbates cough and increases mucus production. The ability to clean the lungs, help to conserve energy and oxygen, and prevent lung infections.
Key points
To cleanse the lungs, you can take the following steps:
- Cough management. A deep cough clears the lungs of mucus, removing it into the respiratory tract.
- Postural drainage, by giving the patient a position in which fluid flows under the influence of gravity.
- Thoracic percussion. Light shocks will weaken the mucus in the lungs.
The effect of mucus on the lungs and overall health?
Usually, the mucus in the body is liquid. It performs a protective function and moistens the lining of organs, such as the lungs, stomach, and intestines. It also helps to remove the bacteria. However, with COPD, mucus is produced more dense, which can lead to its accumulation in the lungs and airways. This makes breathing difficult and puts the patient at risk for infections.
Infections of the respiratory tract and cough cause wheezing and difficulty breathing. Infection can lead to greater production of mucus in the lungs, which becomes more dense. Slime can also change color.
[caption id="attachment_613" align="aligncenter" width="259"]
COPD lungs[/caption]Why is it necessary to control a cough, postural drainage and chest percussion to cleanse the lungs?
You can not restore the health of your lungs. But by controlling the cough, you can drain the mucus of their lungs. This will help:
- Open the airways and facilitate breathing.
- Prevent infections.
- Treat the symptoms and improve well-being.
Cough management
Cough is the body's way of getting rid of mucus. The cough with which you clear the lungs must go deep from the lungs. This weakens the mucus by moving it into the airways. It is best to do this after using an inhaler or other medications. Follow the instructions:
- Sit on the edge of the chair.
- Slightly lean forward and relax.
- Take a slow breath.
- Cough 2-3 times.
- Sniff again slowly. Do not make rapid or deep breaths with your mouth. This can block mucus from coming out of the lungs or cause an uncontrolled cough.
- Relax and repeat all over again.
Postural drainage
Postural drainage occurs by giving the patient a position in which fluid flows under the action of gravity.
Take all positions for 5 minutes and approximately 30 minutes after using the inhaler. Make sure you have an empty stomach. If you started to cough, take a sitting position. Follow the instructions.
Lie down on the bed or the floor. Use pillows in different positions.
- Cleansing the front of the lungs
Lie on your back. Make sure your breasts are below your hips. Place two pillows under the buttocks.
Follow the instructions: Put one hand on the stomach, the other on the chest, inhale. You should feel a shift of the hand on the abdomen, while the hand on the chest should remain motionless. This is called diaphragmatic breathing.
- Cleansing of the side parts
Place a pillow under your hip, lying on your side, inhale. After 5-10 minutes, turn over to the other side.
- Cleansing of the back of the lungs
Lie on your stomach.
Place two or three pillows under your hips. Breathe in your belly.
Thoracic percussion
Light shocks in the chest will weaken the mucus in the lungs.
Follow the instructions:
- Fold your hand with a handful and hit it lightly on the chest.
- Consult a physician about safe areas. Avoid jolting in the area of the spine and sternum.
- You can ask someone to help you.
These three methods may not be effective for everyone, consult a doctor about alternative methods of lung cleansing.
It is very important to remain active and continue to exercise in COPD. Training will help:
- Strengthen your muscles and develop endurance.
- Reduce shortness of breath.
Always consult a doctor before starting any sports program.