Clear phlegm now! how to get rid of sputum: cold, flu, pneumonia

Mr.Physio
16 May 202005:40
EducationalLearning
32 Likes 10 Comments

TLDRIn this instructional video, Jason from Mr. Physio demonstrates two techniques to clear sputum from the lungs, essential for those with respiratory issues like flu, pneumonia, or COVID-19. The first involves taking five small breaths followed by five deep breaths to mobilize and moisten the sputum. The second technique, 'huff and cough,' encourages the removal of phlegm through a series of small and forceful breaths. Additionally, a method using a plastic bottle and straw is introduced to aid in airway clearance. The video concludes with a reminder to repeat the process as needed but to avoid excessive coughing to prevent a sore throat.

Takeaways
  • 🌟 Jason from Mr. Physio introduces two techniques for clearing sputum, which is crucial for proper lung function.
  • πŸ” The lung anatomy is briefly explained, with emphasis on the trachea, bronchi, and alveoli where gas exchange occurs.
  • 🀧 Sputum buildup due to illnesses like flu, pneumonia, or COVID-19 can block the airways and reduce oxygen in the blood.
  • πŸ’‘ The first technique involves taking five small breaths and holding each for five seconds to encourage deeper lung penetration.
  • πŸ§˜β€β™‚οΈ Breathing exercises are designed to allow the diaphragm to move and create space for lung expansion.
  • 🌬️ The second technique consists of five deep breaths, with hands placed on the belly and lower ribs to facilitate air movement behind sputum.
  • πŸ’¦ Deep breaths help to moisten the airways and loosen sticky sputum for easier expulsion.
  • πŸŒ€ The 'huff and cough' method is introduced with two variations, one with small breaths and the other with a strong, short exhale.
  • 🚫 Excessive huffing and coughing can lead to a sore throat, so it's recommended to limit it to 2-3 times per hour.
  • πŸ’§ An alternative technique using a plastic bottle and straw is suggested to help keep airways open and moist.
  • πŸ” If sputum persists after the cycle, it's advised to repeat the process, but with caution to avoid overexertion.
Q & A
  • What is the purpose of the video by Jason from Mr Physio?

    -The purpose of the video is to demonstrate two simple techniques to help get rid of sputum, which can block the airway and reduce gas exchange in the lungs.

  • What is the 'wind pipe' mentioned in the script?

    -The 'wind pipe' refers to the trachea, which is the main airway that carries air to the lungs.

  • How does the presence of sputum in the airway affect the body?

    -Sputum in the airway can block it, leading to less gas exchange, reduced oxygenated blood, and decreased body function.

  • What is the first technique Jason suggests to help with sputum removal?

    -The first technique involves taking five small breaths, holding the breath for five seconds, and then slowly exhaling to allow air to go deeper into the lungs.

  • How should one breathe during the first technique to ensure proper diaphragm movement?

    -One should breathe in such a way that the belly comes forward, allowing the diaphragm to move downward and create space for the lungs to expand.

  • What is the second technique Jason introduces for moving sputum?

    -The second technique involves taking five deep breaths, holding the breath for five seconds, and exhaling to push the sputum up and moisturize the airways.

  • What is the 'huff and cough' technique and how does it work?

    -The 'huff and cough' technique involves taking a small or deep breath and forcefully exhaling to help move the sputum. It can be done in two ways: small huffing with slow exhalation or big huffing with a strong one-second exhale.

  • Why is it recommended to limit the 'huff and cough' technique to 2-3 times per hour?

    -Limiting the 'huff and cough' technique helps prevent a sore throat, which can be a side effect of excessive use of this method.

  • What is the alternative technique Jason suggests using a plastic bottle and straw?

    -The alternative technique involves taking a deep breath and blowing into a plastic bottle filled with water. This helps keep the airway open and moisturized as the air cannot be exhaled all at once.

  • How many times should one repeat the blowing into the water technique?

    -The blowing into the water technique should be repeated 10 to 20 times, finishing with the 'huff and cough' technique.

  • What is the rationale behind using a plastic bottle and straw for sputum removal?

    -The rationale is that when blowing into water, the air cannot be fully exhaled, which helps to keep the airway open and moisturized, facilitating sputum removal.

Outlines
00:00
😷 Techniques for Sputum Removal

Jason from Mr. Physio introduces two simple techniques to clear sputum from the lungs, starting with an explanation of lung anatomy. He describes the trachea, bronchi, and alveoli, and how sputum can obstruct airways and reduce oxygen levels in the body. To address this, he suggests a breathing exercise involving five small breaths, holding for five seconds, and then five deep breaths with hands placed on the belly and lower ribs to push sputum up and moisturize the airways. The last technique involves 'huff and cough' methods, with two variations: small huffing to moisten the sputum and big huffing to dislodge it. He advises repeating the process if necessary but warns against overuse to prevent a sore throat. Additionally, he mentions an alternative technique using a plastic bottle and straw to blow air into water, which helps keep the airways open and moist.

05:08
πŸ’§ Rationale Behind the Blowing Technique

In the second paragraph, Jason explains the scientific reasoning behind the use of a plastic bottle and straw for blowing air into water. This method prevents complete exhalation, which helps to maintain airway openness and hydration. The technique is part of the overall strategy to clear phlegm and improve respiratory function. He humorously notes an unexpected outcome of the demonstration, getting his pants wet, before signing off, promising to see the audience next time.

Mindmap
Keywords
πŸ’‘Sputum
Sputum refers to the mucus that is coughed up from the respiratory tract. In the context of the video, it is a substance that can block the airways and reduce gas exchange, leading to decreased oxygenation in the blood. The script mentions the need to remove sputum due to conditions like flu, pneumonia, and COVID-19.
πŸ’‘Trachea
The trachea, also known as the 'wind pipe,' is the tube that carries air from the throat to the lungs. It is central to the lung anatomy described in the script, as it divides into two main stem bronchi, facilitating the flow of air throughout the respiratory system.
πŸ’‘Bronchi
Bronchi are the branches that extend from the trachea into the lungs. They are responsible for distributing air into the smaller airways and eventually to the alveoli. The script mentions that these branches are part of the pathway that air takes to reach the alveoli.
πŸ’‘Alveoli
Alveoli are tiny air sacs in the lungs where the gas exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide occurs. The script explains that sputum can accumulate in these areas, hindering the gas exchange process and affecting the body's oxygen levels.
πŸ’‘Gas Exchange
Gas exchange is the process by which oxygen is absorbed into the bloodstream and carbon dioxide is expelled from the body. The video emphasizes the importance of unobstructed gas exchange for maintaining proper body function, which can be compromised by the presence of sputum.
πŸ’‘Diaphragm
The diaphragm is a muscle that plays a crucial role in the breathing process by contracting and relaxing to allow the lungs to expand and contract. The script describes how proper breathing techniques can involve the diaphragm to facilitate lung expansion and aid in moving sputum.
πŸ’‘Breathing Techniques
Breathing techniques are methods used to control and improve the breathing process. The video script outlines specific techniques, such as taking small and deep breaths, to help move sputum and improve lung function.
πŸ’‘Huff and Cough
Huff and cough is a respiratory therapy technique mentioned in the script to help clear mucus from the airways. It involves a combination of short, forceful breaths (huffs) followed by a cough to expel the sputum.
πŸ’‘Phlegm
Phlegm is a thick mucus secretion that can be produced in the respiratory tract, often as a result of an infection or inflammation. The script discusses the removal of phlegm as a way to improve respiratory function and overall health.
πŸ’‘Lung Anatomy
Lung anatomy refers to the structure and layout of the lungs, including the trachea, bronchi, and alveoli. The script provides an overview of lung anatomy to explain how sputum can obstruct the airways and affect respiratory function.
πŸ’‘Respiratory Tract
The respiratory tract is the pathway through which air travels to and from the lungs, including the nose, mouth, throat, trachea, and bronchi. The script discusses the importance of keeping this tract clear of sputum for optimal respiratory health.
πŸ’‘Oxygenated Blood
Oxygenated blood refers to blood that has picked up oxygen during the gas exchange process in the alveoli. The script explains that reduced gas exchange due to sputum can lead to less oxygenated blood, which can impair bodily functions.
Highlights

Introduction to lung anatomy with trachea, bronchi, and alveoli.

Explanation of how phlegm can block airways and reduce gas exchange.

Importance of removing phlegm for maintaining oxygenated blood and body function.

Technique 1: Taking five small breaths to allow air to go deeper into the lungs.

Technique 1 detail: Holding breath for 5 seconds and breathing out slowly.

Technique 2: Taking five deep breaths with hands on belly and lower ribs.

Technique 2 detail: Holding deep breath for 5 seconds to push sputum up.

Technique 3: Huff and cough method to clear sputum.

Huff and cough technique 1: Small breaths exhaled slowly to moisten airways.

Huff and cough technique 2: Deep breaths exhaled strongly for one second.

Limiting huff and cough to 2-3 times per hour to prevent sore throat.

Alternative technique using a plastic bottle and straw to blow air into water.

Rationale behind the bottle and straw technique for airway moisturization.

Summary of the simple techniques to get rid of phlegm.

Note on potential wet pants as a humorous anecdote.

Transcripts
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