Pulmonary toilet



Pulmonary toilet, also called pulmonary hygiene, is a set of methods used to clear mucus and secretions from the airways. The word pulmonary refers to the lungs. The word toilet is related to the French toilette, refers to body care and hygiene; this root is used in words such as toiletry that also relate to cleansing.

Pulmonary toilet prevents atelectasis (the collapse of the alveoli of the lungs) and rids the respiratory system of secretions, which could cause respiratory infections. It can also decrease pulmonary shunting, increase the functional reserve capacity of the lungs, and prevent respiratory infection after chest trauma. Methods include using suction to remove fluids and placing the patient in a position that allows secretions to drain by gravity.

Methods
Methods used for pulmonary toilet include suctioning of the airways, chest physiotherapy, blow bottles, and nasotracheal suction. Bronchoscopy, in which a tube is inserted into the airways so that an examiner can view them, can be used therapeutically as part of pulmonary toilet. Incentive spirometry and use of analgesics (pain medications) that do not inhibit breathing are also parts of pulmonary toilet. Coughing is also important for ridding the airways of secretions, so healthcare providers are careful not to oversedate patients, because that could inhibit coughing. Tracheotomy facilitates pulmonary toilet. Percussion, another method, loosens secretions and allows the cilia of the airways to remove material. Positioning is another method for promoting drainage of secretions; sometimes patients are placed in a prone position to aid in this purpose.

Applications
Pulmonary toilet is used for preventing infections such as pneumonia. It is also used in the management of conditions such as pneumonia and cystic fibrosis. For people with chronic lung diseases, pulmonary toilet is used to prevent infections and lung abscesses. Pulmonary toilet is also used to prevent acute respiratory distress syndrome after chest trauma.