Autogenic Drainage

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Introduction

Autogenic drainage is a respiratory self-drainage technique that utilises controlled experitory airflow (tidal breathing) to mobilise secretions. It consists of three phases:

1. Loosening peripheral secretions by breathing at low lung volumes (slow, deep air movement)
2. Collecting secretions from central airways by breathing at low to middle lung volumes (slow, mid-range air movement)
3. Expelling secretions from the central airways by breathing at mid to high lung volumes (shallow air movements)

The velocity or force of the expiratory airflow must be adjusted at each level of inspiration so that the highest possible airflow is reached in that generation of bronchi, without being high enough to cause the airways to collapse during coughing. Autogenic drainage does not utilise Postural Drainage positions but is performed while sitting upright.

Recent Related Research (from Pubmed)

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References

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