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    Coughing Techniques

    Airway clearance methods help to remove mucus from your airways. Clearing the airways helps you breathe better. It also lowers the chance for infection. One method is controlled coughing. Use any medicines before or after clearing your airways, as instructed by your healthcare provider. For example, some people use inhaled bronchodilators before clearing their airways. 

     Tip

    Keep a box of tissues next to you when using these methods. Wash your hands when you are done.

    Controlled coughing

    Here's how to do it: 

    • Sit on a chair with both feet on the floor.

    • Take a slow, deep breath through your nose. Hold for 2 counts.

    • Lean forward slightly.

    • Cough twice—2 short coughs.

    • Relax for a few seconds.

    Repeat the steps as needed. 

    The “huff” technique

    Woman sitting in chair huffing air out of lungs.

    Here's how to do it: 

    • Sit on a chair with both feet on the floor.

    • Take a slow, deep breath through your nose. Hold for 2 counts.

    • To breathe out, open your mouth and make a “huff” sound in your throat. (The same way you might breathe to clean a pair of eyeglasses.)

    • Huff 2 to 3 times as you breathe out.

    • Relax for a few seconds.

    Repeat the steps as needed.

    Follow-up care

    Follow up with your healthcare provider, or as advised.

    When to call the healthcare provider

    Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following:

    • Shortness of breath, wheezing, or coughing

    • Increased mucus

    • Yellow, green, bloody, or smelly mucus

    • Fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, or as directed by your healthcare provider

    • Chills

    • Tightness in your chest that does not go away with rest or medicine

    • An irregular heartbeat

    Online Medical Reviewer: Callie Tayrien RN MSN
    Online Medical Reviewer: Deborah Pedersen MD
    Online Medical Reviewer: Jessica Gotwals BSN MPH
    Date Last Reviewed: 7/1/2022
    © 2000-2024 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.
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    Southern New Mexico
    Surgery Center

    2301 Indian Wells Rd. Suite B
    Alamogordo, NM 88310
    www.snmsc.org

    Phone: 575.437.0890
    Fax: 575.437.0905
    Email: info@snmsc.org

    Disclaimer