What is chest percussion?

Chest percussion is a method to loosen sputum in the lungs and trachea by using hands or a phlegm cup to knock the back, which will then flow out of the trachea with the action of postural drainage and gravity, so as to improve the breathing condition.

Why chest percussion?

Since babies cannot cough up phlegm completely, they need external clapping and percussion to help them expel the phlegm.

Percussion methods

Areas for percussion

How to remove sputum

• The sputum in the nasal cavity and mouth can be aspirated with a suction ball or a nasal aspirator, or the baby can be taken to the clinic to aspirate sputum.

Notes

1. According to the condition of the baby, the time of chest percussion can be divided into every 4 hours, 6 hours, 8 hours, 12 hours or once a day.
2. Generally, each part should be effectively patted for about 3 to 5 minutes, and the time of each stroke can be adjusted according to the condition and tolerance of the baby.
3. Repeatedly hit the baby on the chest wall, with your hands cup-shaped or holding a sputum cup, and the wrist joint naturally moves and bends to touch the chest wall stably. Through vibration, the sputum in the lung and trachea is loosened and can easily be discharged.
4. The baby's safety and comfort shall be considered when patting, and appropriate clothes or covers shall be provided to keep it warm.
5. Avoid wearing watches, bracelets or growing nails when clapping the baby on the back to avoid hurting it.
6. Chest percussion should be carried out before feeding or 2 hours after feeding, so as to avoid aspiration pneumonia caused by vomiting.
7. Avoid bone protrusions, vertebrae and the part below the waist to prevent injury.