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Drainage, postural

therapeutic drainage in bronchopulmonary diseases in which there is copious mucus secretion, such as chronic bronchitis, bronchiectasis, pulmonary abscess, or cystic fibrosis. The patient is placed with head downward, so that the trachea is inclined downward and below the affected area. It may be done in 15- to 20-minute sessions or by having the patient sleep in a head-down position. The therapy may be used in conjunction with forced expiration, bronchodilator agents, or expectorants.