Coughing is the body's way of removing foreign material or mucus from your lungs and airways, or of reacting to airway irritation. It is important to cough effectively to avoid getting more short of breath or exhausted from your efforts. We will explain how to cough more gently, with good results.
Productive coughing, brings up phlegm or mucus (sputum). The mucus may have drained down the back of your throat from the nose or sinuses, or may come up from your lungs. Try not to hold or suppress a productive cough as it clears mucus from the lungs.
It is important to stay well hydrated by drinking several glasses of water daily, (unless you are told to restrict fluids by your doctor), so your secretions are thinner and easier to cough out. It may help to do a controlled coughing session after your inhaled medications. You want to be sitting in a comfortable position, not lying down. You can place your hands on your knees, or a table to help stabilize your muscles. Purposely use your stomach muscles to make your cough efforts stronger.
Huff Cough and Forced Expiratory Technique,(FET) which are gentle ways to cough, and easy to learn, will be posted soon.
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