Does patting on the back help congestion?

Are you feeling congested? Do you have a runny nose, sneezing and coughing? Are you tired of people telling you patting on the back will help relieve congestion? Well, hold on to your tissues because we are going to explore whether or not this old tactic actually works.

What is Congestion?

First and foremost, let’s define what we mean when we talk about congestion. It is that pesky feeling when your nasal passages get blocked making it hard for air to flow freely in and out of your nose. This can be caused by allergies or an infection like a cold or flu.

Uncommon Terminology Tip: Nasal passages are made up of the nostrils, sinuses, and nasal cavity; all these parts work together to filter air during inhalation.

How Does Patting Help with Congestion?

The theory behind patting someone’s back who has congestion is simple: it loosens mucus trapped inside the respiratory ducts so one can easily cough or blow their nose. This method uses vibration therapy known as “postural drainage”. Postural Drainage involves positioning oneself such that gravity encourages easier expectoration from targeted lung lobes which are then cleared through effective exhalation efforts combined with mucous clearance techniques sometimes involving percussion &/or vibrations

But Wait There’s More! Apparently, a paternal figure calling – “There there” makes everything better- apparently reducing anxiety levels which make breathing more difficult due myriad mechanisms poor ventilation being just one mechanism-not so funny now right ?

Table 1	How Postural Drainage Works
Purpose	To mobilize secretions in pulmonary bronchus through use of gravitational force
Mechanical Effect	Increase airflow resistance leading smoother expulsion efforts via patient-initiated maneuvers
Physiological Effect	Reduction interstitial fluid volume leading less localized edema around issues inhibiting gas exchange

What Science Says

The research on this particular topic is sparse, if not non-existent, but there are a few studies that have explored the relationship between postural drainage and congestion. A 2016 study published in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews indicated that “postural drainage may result in short-term improvement of some aspects of lung function measures among patients with stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).” Still, more research needs to be done before patting someone’s back becomes clinically recommended.

Uncommon Terminology: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is an umbrella term for a group of progressive lung disorders that can make breathing difficult due to narrowing or blockages in air ducts> often seen seen smokers or resulting from varied occupational exposure environments

The Patting “Hack”

We know what you’re thinking. You’ve tried patting your friend’s back when they were congested but nothing happened! Well if this happens again, impress/confuse them by incorporating CPT vibrations along thoracic/vocal cord areas claimed as so-called Reflex Zones believed by proponents to stimulate mucous transport through which these points connect directly via sympathetic NS stimulation

Short Paragraph Point: Chest Physical Therapy (CPT)-Mucus clearance performed through various activities such as encourage deep breathing , huff/cough/gag maneuvers aid n removal phlegm sometimes assisted percussion improving airflow take home message -Patting isn’t necessarily useless-It could add psychological relief &/or relaxation benefit person believe it only consistent effect exerted here-much like a placebo.

Table 2	Reflex Zones
Zone	Corresponding Region
1	Collar bone area
2	Middle part around scapulae bones
3	Lower waist region close end rib cage mid line opposite abdomen lower hole border

Heading Number Two

How To Pat Someone’s Back for Congestion Relief

If you’re going to try patting someone’s back, make sure you do it properly to avoid hurting them. Here is a step-by-step guide:

1. Position the person face down on a bed or couch with their arms and head lying flat creating an angled surface from hips up to shoulders.
2. Starting at the top of the back., gently lift your hands and hit repeatedly by cupping palms together-modified karate chop style-allowing loose wrist movement encourage/ optimize vibration
3. Move around, working towards lower parts of back
4. Then switch sides, starting again at top but this time moving downwards >end mid-back adjacent vertebrae lumborus rex section then end min butt cheeks ( If comfortable enough)

Other Remedies

While patting may not be scientifically proven, there are other remedies one can try.

• Steam Showers – Inhaling steam loosens mucus in nasal passages facilitating its easier expectoration
• Hydration – Drinking fluids keeps respiratory linings moist reducing inflammation effects that often stimuli cough reflexes subside
• Saline Drops/Sprays – This solution works best in children> due less severe form congestion being major root of cold-like symptoms benefits debatable adults

Heading Number Three

When Not To Pat Someone On The Back?

How hard should we be hitting our friend on his/her delicate lung-loving lungs? Certainly, exactly how hard depends on individual sensitivities here’s where caution becomes necessary Let us say “do not assume what works for others would work well for everyone else.”

Short Paragraph: When speaking about CPT/hitting points/neuropathic pathway as anything more than potential addition/supplemental therapy should always consult physician if applicable massage therapist rather than relying solely old wives tales grandmothers who relied such practices as go-to when doctor visits weren’t easily accessible

In Conclusion, patting on the back for congestion relief may work in cases where facial expressions/behaviors warrant compassion is a complimentary skill that aids not just society but the science behind positive effects it has. Though studies supporting efficacy sparse faith and psychological benefits could be worth trying remember this method/patients should evaluate potential risks/benefits done only under informed doctor/massage therapist advice/necessary calibration-don’t hurt yourself or trust everyone will react same way you would!