Cystic fibrosis causes
mucus to become thick and sticky, which can clog the
lungs and cause serious problems. You can help your child maintain lung
function and avoid complications from mucus buildup and blockage by performing
an airway clearance technique (ACT). Postural drainage and chest percussion (PD
& P) is one of several airway clearance techniques that help clear mucus
from your child's lungs.
- To help keep the lungs clear, it is important
to do an airway clearance technique (such as postural drainage and chest
percussion) every day. PD & P works well when used
- These techniques are one part of a larger treatment plan
for cystic fibrosis.
- You may not notice an improvement in your
child's lung function right away. But stopping these
treatments will cause decreased lung function after about 3 weeks in children
who have mild to moderate lung problems.1
It is important for your child to visit his or her doctor
regularly and make any needed changes in treatment.
How do I do postural drainage?