Question
What is the principle of autogenic drainage?
Answer
Autogenic drainage is an airway clearance technique that Jean Chevaillier developed in 1967. Autogenic drainage means self-drainage by definition. It is characterized by breath control and self-drainage. The different breathing frequencies are used to mobilize secretions from the lower to the upper airway. It is all about how the patient will control his breathing. The patient focuses on adjusting the rate, how fast the patient breathes, the depth of how they breathe, and the location. We are teaching the patient how fast to breathe, how deep to breathe, and where the movement of the lung volume occurs during respiration.
Autogenic drainage is based on multiple principles in which the patient is able to achieve airway clearance independently. Autogenic drainage consists of controlled expiratory and inspiratory reserve volume breathing that is practiced at different levels of lung volume. In this, the subject self-adjusts the force or velocity of the expiratory airflow at different levels of inspiration in order to reach the maximum possible airflow generated in the bronchi without resulting in airway collapses during coughing. The respiratory therapist will teach the patient. Then the patient will be able to achieve airway clearance independently. Remember, it is adapted to their own pathology and pulmonary function.
This Ask the Expert is an edited excerpt from the course, Autogenic Drainage: Technique for Airway Clearance, presented by Duane Reed, EdD, RRT, RCP.
