Pros and Cons of Manual CPT and Postural Drainage, Essay Example

This article describes the process and implications’ of postural drainage and percussion. The author highlights the advantages and disadvantages of adopting the intervention as a medical surgical procedure. This procedure is also classified as chest physical therapy (CPT). The procedure was developed as a strategy to facilitate breathing in people suferiing from cystic fibrosis. Essentially, the procedure is conducted by applying gravity and percussion alternatively to fragment thick mucus found within the lung cavity. Coughing is produced as thick mucus becomes loosened. Consequently, airways are cleared and patients begin to breathe with less difficulty. Importantly, when this occurs favorable outcome is achieved (Consumer fact sheet, 1)

A great advantage of undertaking this procedure is that it allows a number of people access in its execution. For example, CPT is not limited to the respiratory therapist. It can be performed by relatives, the patient themselves; nurses and even friends. In the case of children parents are eligible to perform the procedure. The aim is to fragment the mucus and eliminate them from the respiratory cavity. Useful techniques involve positioning, percussion, vibration, which ultimately produces coughing and mucous is forced out (Consumer Fact sheet).

Percussion in CPT is tapping on the chest wall. This allows for mucus to travel towards larger cavities facilitating. One disadvantage is that mucous could be trapped in smaller cavities creating more obstruction and severe breathing issues. As such, initial training is necessary for accurate positioning to allow gravitational flow of the mucus into areas that would enavle coughing it through the mouth. Since coughing is the important feature of CPT the process must be carefully timed to monitor progress. It lasts about 20 – 40 minutes (Consumer fact sheet)

Works cited

Consumer fact Sheet. An Introduction to Postural Drainage & Percussion. Cystic Fibroses Foundation. 2012. Print