Effective Secretion Removal Techniques for Clear Airways

Effective Secretion Removal Techniques

Our bodies naturally produce fluid secretions in minimal quantities that usually don't obstruct the airway. The cough reflex typically eliminates any excess. However, sometimes we are unable to remove secretions due to excessive production or thickening, or an inability to cough effectively. This can occur in pathologies such as chronic respiratory conditions, in immobilized patients, postoperative patients, and patients with neuromuscular problems.

Measures to Eliminate Secretions

Hydration

Adequate hydration helps to make secretions more fluid, facilitating their expulsion.

Chest Physiotherapy

Chest physiotherapy involves various procedures, including:

• Breathing Exercises: Perform breathing exercises several times a day. Have the patient sit with their head bent forward. If this isn't possible, place the patient in a supine position. Instruct the patient to breathe in through their nose and exhale slowly through their mouth, then cough to remove secretions. Repeat this process several times. Incentive spirometry can also be used.

Postural Drainage

Postural drainage involves placing the patient in various positions to facilitate drainage by gravity, helping to expel secretions through coughing. These positions should be maintained for several minutes, as directed by a doctor. Use appropriate equipment to ensure patient comfort. Avoid performing postural drainage immediately before or after meals.

Clapping (Percussion)

Clapping involves hitting the patient's chest in a smooth and rhythmic manner, moving from the periphery inward with cupped hands. The patient should inhale deeply and exhale gently and slowly. Perform percussion during exhalation. Avoid percussing over the spine, fractured areas, wounds, or the breasts. In children, use the index, middle, and ring fingers, slightly curved.

Vibration

Support hands side by side on the patient's chest, contracting and relaxing the muscles of your upper limbs alternately to create vibration.

Endotracheal Intubation

Endotracheal intubation is a medical procedure in which a catheter is placed in the trachea to open the airway, allowing for the delivery of oxygen, medication, or anesthesia. After intubation, the person will be connected to a respirator machine.

Indications

Indications for endotracheal intubation include apnea, respiratory failure, and respiratory obstruction.

Equipment

Equipment required for endotracheal intubation includes a laryngoscope, endotracheal tubes, syringe, forceps, Magill forceps, bagging equipment, fittings for the tube, intravenous access, and ECG monitoring.