General measures
- “Bronchial toilet” (daily) – the bronchi become better ventilated again and infections are prevented (can take up to an hour):
- Liquefaction of bronchial mucus by inhalation with secretolytics (mucolytic cough suppressants).
- Loosening the mucus by tapping the back and thorax (chest).
- Coughing up the secretions; a special posture can facilitate coughing:
- Knee-elbow position (quadruped stance): the affected person supports himself on the floor with his elbows and knees. Coughing can be assisted by raising and lowering the back.
- Quincke hanging position: the affected person lies down over an exercise ball with the face facing the floor and supports himself with the palms on the floor. The feet and, if necessary, the knees touch the floor and provide support. The upper body is lower, the secretion can flow by gravity in the direction of the mouth and be coughed up more easily.
- Vibration massage – For this purpose, special physiotherapy devices (“Cornet”, “Flutter”) are available. Blowing into such a device creates vibrations, which makes the tough bronchial mucus detached from the surface of the airways, more fluid and removable.
- Daily inhalation with physiological saline solution promotes expectoration. The mucous membranes are kept moist and the bronchial mucus is liquefied.
- More often change the sleeping position. So the bronchial mucus can be transported away better.
- Nicotine restriction (refrain from tobacco use).
Vaccinations
The following vaccinations are advised, as infection can often lead to worsening of the present disease:
- Flu vaccination
- Pneumococcal vaccination
Regular checkups
- Regular medical checkups
Nutritional medicine
- Nutritional counseling based on nutritional analysis
- Nutritional recommendations according to a mixed diet taking into account the disease at hand. This means, among other things:
- A total of 5 servings of fresh vegetables and fruit daily (≥ 400 g; 3 servings of vegetables and 2 servings of fruit).
- Once or twice a week fresh sea fish, i.e. fatty marine fish (omega-3 fatty acids) such as salmon, herring, mackerel.
- High-fiber diet (whole grains, vegetables).
- Observance of the following special dietary recommendations:
- Adequate fluid intake to liquefy the bronchial secretions.
- Selection of appropriate foods based on the nutritional analysis.
- See also under “Therapy with micronutrients (vital substances)” – if necessary, taking a suitable dietary supplement.
- Detailed information on nutritional medicine you will receive from us.
Physical therapy (including physiotherapy)
- To improve secretion drainage and manage respiratory distress:
- To learn physiotherapeutic breathing techniques (respiratory gymnastics).
- Reducing the stimulus to cough:
- Lip brake: exhale through pursed lips (“kissing mouth“). A pressure is created in the mouth and airways, which pushes the bronchi apart and reduces the coughing stimulus.
- Gently squeeze the nostrils with two fingers and calmly inhale and exhale. Breathing slows down and does not go as deep, so the stimulus is not triggered.
- Promotion of coughing up:
- “Huffing”: deep inhalation followed by rapid and forceful exhalation.
- Lip brake (see above).
- Relief of respiratory distress:
- Lips brake (see above)
- Coachman’s seat: bend the upper body forward while seated and rest the forearms on the knees. This posture stimulates the respiratory support muscles.
- Reducing the stimulus to cough:
- To learn physiotherapeutic breathing techniques (respiratory gymnastics).
Rehabilitation
- Pulmonary rehab
