phlegm is a thick, sticky, mucus-like substance that the body normally produces. But it will increase in quantity when there are some illnesses. especially the diseaseairway
Dr. Nuttaphong Wongwiwat, Deputy Director-Generalmedical department said Covid-19 patients Many people tend to have wheezing. or feel that there ismucus in the respiratory tract ormucus coughAs a result, the breathing for oxygen into the body is not effective enough. Therefore, it is imperative that the patient remove these mucus from the respiratory tract. This can be done in a number of ways such as
Method 1
Coughing to drain phlegm is done in patients who do not have any underlying disease. as follows
1.) Sit on a chair. Lean forward slightly and take 3-5 normal breaths in and out.
2.) Take a deep breath to the fullest. by focusing on the rib cage
3.) Hold your breath for 3 seconds while contracting your abdomen.
4.) Open your mouth and press your chin down. make a circle mouth with a strong cough and as long as the last breath exhales
5.) Take a break by breathing in and out, usually 3-5 times.
Method 2
sputum discharge by exhaling Do it in case of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Asthma can be done. as follows
1.) Sit on a chair. Lean forward slightly and inhale and exhale normally 3 times.
2.) Breathe in normally. Then exhale from the throat through the mouth vigorously. (Open your mouth, press your chin down. Make a circle with your mouth) and contract your abdominal muscles. Until the last breath, repeat 3 times.
3.) Inhale and exhale normally 3 times until the tiredness is gone.
4.) May repeat 3-4 times.
Method 3
sputum drainage through cyclic breathing active cycle of breathing technique (ACBT) Suitable for patients with respiratory problems that cannot exert a lot of energy. until too tired can be done by
1.) Sit in a chair in a comfortable and relaxed position.
2.) Breathe in and out normally for 5-10 seconds.
3.) Take a deep breath. By focusing on the ribs to flare out. and finally exhale
4.) Breathe in and out normally. Then exhale through your mouth. (Open your mouth, press your chin down to make your mouth form a circle) along with contracting the abdominal muscles. Until the last exhale, repeat 3 times and return to the normal inhale and exhale 3 times.
5.) Breathe in and out, usually 5 – 10 seconds until tiredness is gone, etc.
Dr. Jinda Rojanamethin, DirectorRajavithi Hospital, Department of Medical Services added that How to reduce the spread of infection during sputum drainage You must wear a mask to cover your face every time you cough or breathe heavily to drain the mucus. During the practice, you should sit at least 2 meters away from others and if coughing and mucus comes out, spit the sputum on toilet paper, then discard it in a plastic bag with the mouth of the bag tied.
including Caution important during sputum drainage training If the symptoms are very tired, faint, dizzy like fainting. very short or frequent breathing You should rest with normal breathing until the symptoms are gone and then start practicing. The number of times to practice per day also depends on the amount of sputum of the individual.
Proofreading….Suree Silawong