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Flu: Respiratory Assist

Flu: Respiratory Assist
Respiratory assist techniques can help improve lung function and lymphatic drainage, and are good for any respiratory ailment.  They are especially valuable for treating the respiratory effects of the flu, and to diminish the transition into pneumonia.  The techniques are quite simple, and can be an easy way to help friends and family who have the flu.

The respiratory assist techniques described in this Instructable have been described by Dr. Paul Lee, a practicing osteopathic physician.  He teaches these techniques to family members so they can help treat a flu patient at home several times a day, improving lung function and speeding recovery.

Note that these techniques are usually performed on fully-clothed patients.  These pictures are intended to help demonstrate hand and finger placement.

 
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Step 1Rib raising: finger placement

Rib raising: finger placement
This picture demonstrates the finger placement on the subject's back.  Your finger tips should be about 3 or 4 inches in from the spine on the height of contour of the ribs.

  (Please note that this is several inches lateral toward the outside of the chest wall from what is shown in the picture.   Actually the finger tips should be about at the base of the finger webbing.  I will put on a new picture before too long.  Dr Paul Lee reviewed this Instructable, and this was one of the refinements that he suggested.)

My hand position will be reversed (pinkies adjacent, thumbs out) when the patient is lying flat on the table.  You will then resume the finger position, finding it by feel.
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18 comments
Oct 15, 2010. 8:10 PMroebm says:
You must be a fellow DO
Dec 29, 2009. 5:00 AMbicygirl says:
Thanks for this posting.  I had read a description of this years ago, but had a hard time actually figuring out how to do it.  The pics are very helpful.
Dec 5, 2009. 11:11 PMkomecake says:
  Wow... It's nice to find something like this. I have a consistent respiratory infection caused from my allergies. When my boyfriend gets home next week I am definately going to try this with him. It would be nice if something actually helped! ... lol. >.<
Dec 6, 2009. 12:26 PMkomecake says:
  Great! I'll have to try that mouthwash. Anything that will help would be great. Some days are a lot worse than others and if there are things to reduce the causes, the more information I know the better. Thank you very much. :)
Nov 13, 2009. 12:15 PMuldics says:
If I'm understanding it right, then once a second you have to move with your hips, like they do on Discovery channel.... Some would not understand your intentions.
Oct 29, 2009. 5:03 PMstuboo says:
Well done, Dr. Lee.  As an osteopathic medical student, it excites me to see others in the profession using technology to teach patients how to find their health.  Might I suggest the Galbreath maneuver as a second installment?

It should also be noted that almost anyone can benefit from this technique (not just those with respiratory "problems") as it opens up the lymphatic system and promotes fluid movement throughout the body.  I'm pretty sure this technique is contraindicated in folks with cancer (i.e. it should not be used).  Care to comment on contraindications, Dr. Lee?
Oct 27, 2009. 1:29 PMBardouv says:
 That first image, when small, looks like you are touching a turkey. :)
Oct 27, 2009. 11:56 PMthreadbare says:
OK, that is exactly what I thought. I thought he was stuffing a turkey and wondered what that had to do with the flu.
Oct 29, 2009. 5:24 AMramirez says:
well.. there is the avian flu...
Oct 27, 2009. 1:34 PMcanida says:
I can assure you he is. ;)
Oct 29, 2009. 7:02 AMLithium Rain says:
:-D

>guessing that's your brother/other male relative?<
Oct 27, 2009. 7:20 PMDoggie Stylish says:
thx for posting this! it's good info to know!

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Author:Bob Canida
Hi, I'm Dr. Bob Canida. I've practiced dentistry in Madison, IN for over 30 years. My daughter Christy runs this site.