How to do controlled coughing to clear your lungs
Coughing is how your body tries to get rid of mucus. But the kind of coughing you cannot control makes things worse. It causes your airways to close. It also traps the mucus in your lungs.
Controlled coughing loosens mucus and moves it through your airways. It is best to do it after you use your inhaler or other medicine. Follow these steps for controlled coughing.
- Sit on the edge of a chair, and keep both feet on the floor.
- Lean forward a little, and relax.
- Breathe in slowly through your nose, and fold your arms over your belly.
- Hold your breath for 3 to 5 seconds before the exhale.
- As you exhale, lean forward. Push your arms against your belly.
- Cough 2 or 3 times as you exhale with your mouth slightly open.
Make the coughs short and sharp. Push on your belly with your arms as you cough. The first cough brings the mucus through the lung airways. The next coughs bring it up and out.
- Inhale again, but do it slowly and gently through your nose.
Do not take quick or deep breaths through your mouth. It can block the mucus coming out of the lungs. It also can cause uncontrolled coughing.
- Rest, and repeat if you need to.
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