Secretion clearance can be done either by patient or clinician lead methods.

Patient lead methods:

• Positioning
• Coughing
• Mobility
• Breathing techniques

Clinician method:

• Therapeutic input
• Chest physio
• Cough augmentation
• Suction

Detailed breakdown of methods:

Positioning: Postural drainage positions the patient to allow gravity to help drain secretions from specific lung areas, making it easier to expel mucus.

Coughing: Directed coughing encourages patients to take deep breaths and forcefully exhale to expel secretions from the airways. This is an effective, natural clearance method.

Mobility: Early mobilization (walking, sitting up) helps loosen secretions through increased lung expansion and improved ventilation, promoting mucus clearance.

Breathing Techniques:

• Deep breathing exercises (e.g., diaphragmatic breathing) enhance lung expansion and mobilize secretions
• Pursed-lip breathing helps keep airways open longer, aiding mucus movement

Therapeutic Input: Mucolytics or nebulized saline can be used to thin secretions, making them easier to expel. Bronchodilators may be given to open airways and facilitate mucus movement.

Chest Physiotherapy (CPT): Percussion and vibration involve tapping or vibrating the chest wall to loosen mucus and promote its movement up the airway.

Cough Augmentation: Manual cough assist (applying abdominal pressure during exhalation) or mechanical cough assist devices can help patients with weak coughs effectively expel mucus.

Suction: Tracheal suctioning removes secretions from the airway directly using a sterile catheter, particularly in patients who cannot clear secretions independently.