Autogenic drainage (AD) breathing technique

Video: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_n0nuy8VWmI

• Autogenic drainage (AD) breathing technique

  • Does not require postural drainage or coughing technique 

  • The idea is to use small airways to move mucus through the lobes 

  • Requires heavy concentration to perform 

    • Children, lack of motivation, or easily distracted may not be the best decision for this 

  • This is also done at low lung volumes 

  • Treatement is about 30-45 mins 

  1. Pt is sitting upright with back support 

  2. "Unsticking phase" 

     • Slow inhalation through nose 

     • Followed by 2-3 sec breath hold (the idea is that the air will be behind the secretions) 

     • Than exhale down into expiratory reserve volumes 

  3. "Collecting phase" 

     • Breathe during tidal volume 

     • with a 2-3 sec hold of breath 

  4. "Evacuating phase" 

     • Deep inhalation during inspiratory reserve volume 

     • With breath holding 

     • Than 1-2 coughs 

  5. Exhalation can be done with pursed-lip technique