Drainage use in bronchiectasis and lung abscess. The patient's body is positioned so that the trachea is inclined downward and below the affected chest area . Postural drainage is essential in treating bronchiectasis and patients must receive physiotherapy to learn to tip themselves into a position in which the lobe to be drained is uppermost at least three times daily for 10-20 minutes. most patients find that lying over the side of the bed with head and thorax down is the most effective position . The treatment is often used in conjunction with a technique for loosening secretions in the chest cavity called chest percussion. Chest percussion is performed by clapping the back or chest with a cupped hand. Alternatively, a mechanical vibrator may be used in some cases to facilitate loosening of secretions .