Airway Clearance: Coughing Techniques
Airway Clearance: Coughing Techniques
Airway clearance techniques help to remove mucus from the airways. Clearing the airways helps to improve breathing and lessen the chance of infection. One method is controlled coughing. Be sure to also 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.
Controlled coughing
Sit on a chair with both feet on the floor.
Take a slow, deep breath through your nose and 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
Sit on a chair with both feet on the floor.
Take a slow, deep breath through your nose and hold for 2 counts.
To exhale, open your mouth and make a “huff” sound in your throat. (This is the same way you might breathe to clean a pair of eyeglasses.)
Huff 2 to 3 times as you exhale.
Relax for a few seconds.
Repeat the steps as needed.
Updated:  
March 21, 2017
Sources:  
Cystic Fibrosis Pulmonary Guidelines: Airway Clearance Therapies. Flume, P. Respiratory Care. 2009; 54(4).
Reviewed By:  
Berry, Judith, PhD, APRN,Blaivas, Allen J., DO,Image reviewed by StayWell medical illustration team.