Clearing your lungs when you have COPD

Why should you use controlled coughing, postural drainage, and chest percussion to clear your lungs?

You can't undo the damage to your lungs. But doing controlled coughing, postural drainage, and chest percussion can help drain mucus from your lungs. This can:

• Open your airways and make it easier to breathe.
• Help prevent infections. If you have fewer infections, you will likely have fewer lung problems.
• Help you manage your symptoms and feel better.

Test Your Knowledge

1. Draining mucus from your lungs can help prevent infections:

1. True.
2. False

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Author:	Ralph Poore	Last Updated: November 16, 2007
Medical Review:	Caroline S. Rhoads, MD - Internal Medicine Ken Y. Yoneda, MD - Pulmonology
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