Which technique should be used for an infant diagnosed with bronchiectasis?

For an infant diagnosed with bronchiectasis, the use of postural drainage and percussion (PDPV) is particularly effective. This technique is used to help clear mucus from the airways, which is crucial in managing bronchiectasis, a condition characterized by the abnormal and permanent dilation of the airways, leading to mucus accumulation and vulnerability to infections.

PDPV works by positioning the infant in specific ways that utilize gravity to assist in draining secretions from different parts of the lungs. Coupled with manual percussion, which involves rhythmic clapping on the chest, this method helps loosen and mobilize mucus, making it easier for the infant to clear their airways either by coughing or through suctioning if they are unable to do so effectively on their own.

In infants, particularly, maintaining clear airways is vital due to their smaller lung capacity and dependency on caregivers for respiratory management. While other techniques like mechanical insufflation-exsufflation, active cycle of breathing techniques, and positive airway pressure adjuncts can be valuable in specific circumstances or for older patients, PDPV is often preferred for its effectiveness in mucus clearance in young children with bronchiectasis.