Bronchiectasis consists of abnormal, permanent and irreversible dilation of bronchi and bronchia, with recurrent infections, inflammation, hypersecretion and reduction of mucus clearance. It predominantly affects women of between 28 and 48 years old and more frequently affects the inferior lobes. Clinical manifestations are chronic cough, fever and voluminous expectoration, with a fetid odor. The etiology is unspecific and is considered the final stage of diverse pathological processes. It can be classified in cylindrical, varicose and cystic, and also in respect to located and whether it affects multiple segments. Postural drainage and chest clapping are commonly used clearence however, there are few published comparative population studies or reviews of techniques. In this context, this study aimed at evaluating the efficaciouness of postural drainage and chest clapping on bronchus clearence in bronchiectasis patients and to compare the effects and associations of these techniques with others reported in the literature. Recent research reported that postural drainage and chest clapping are effective therapies to mobilize pulmonary secretions as they increase the velocity of mucus transportion, improving pulmonary function and gas exchange. This requires the assistance of a professional, which can make the necessary daily treatment difficult. For this reason physiotherapists have been choosing techniques that give more independence to patients.
Respiratory tract diseases; Bronchiectasis; rehabilitation; Drainage; Posture; Physical Therapy Techniques