Clearing Your Airways-Coughing

Effective methods for clearing airways are coughing, postural drainage and chest physical therapy.

This method will help you cough effectively and won't wear you out:

1. Breathe in slowly through your nose, using your diaphragm.

2. Cough out twice while pulling your stomach in.

3. Pause. Finish breathing out through pursed lips.

4. Breathe in slowly. If you breathe in too fast, you can start a coughing spasm. Some people find that by using a "small sniff" method of inhaling, they can avoid this problem.

5. Repeat if necessary.

Clearing Your Airways-Postural Drainage

If you have an abnormal amount of mucus and have trouble getting the mucus up, there are other methods, beside learning to cough effectively, to help you.

First, drink 8-10 glasses of water every day. Water will thin out the mucus and make it easier to cough up. After several days of drinking extra water, you'll be ready for postural drainage. Postural drainage is a method that used gravity and body position to help remove secretions.

Prepare a comfortable place (like your bed) where you can lie down with your head and chest tilted. Pile up three or more pillows in a bed and flop yourself over them- first on your stomach for about 10-15 minutes, and then on each side for the same amount of time. Do this at least twice a day and more often if you can. Try to do it before meals and before bedtime.

Clearing Your Airways-Chest Physical Therapy

Effective methods for clearing airways are coughing, postural drainage and chest physical therapy.

While you are in the postural drainage position, have a family member or friend "cup" you. "Cupping" is thumping your back to help loosen mucous. Cupping is done by making a "cup" with the hands and clapping the chest, producing a hollow sound. (Do not hit the spine.) Wear light clothing because it can hurt if it is done over bare skin.

Check with your doctor before using postural drainage and chest physical therapy.