Coughing Techniques

Question 1

Cascade

Answer 1

• Breathe in slowly and deeply through the nose.
• Breathe out slowly and completely through
pursed lips.
• Breathe in slowly and deeply once again, then
hold breath briefly.
• Cough several times until lungs feel empty. The
cough should produce a sharp sound.
• Avoid taking sharp, quick breaths between
coughs.

Question 2

Huff

Answer 2

• Forced expirations of middle to low lung volume
without closure of the glottis
• Breathe in slowly and deeply through nose.
• Breathe out slowly and completely through pursed
lips.
• Breathe in slowly and deeply once again, then
hold breath briefly.
• Instead of coughing, let the air out in several short
bursts while saying “huff.”
• A “huff” sound is produced rather than a sharp
sound.

Question 3

Assisted Cough

Answer 3

• Pt Breathes in slowly and deeply through the nose
and then out slowly and completely through
pursed lips.
• Pt Breathes in slowly and deeply once again, then
holds breath briefly.
• Assisting person places hands on pt’s sides at the
lower rib cage or on stomach above belly button.
• Pt coughs while the person assisting applies
gently pressure.
• Stop applying pressure when the patient is
finished breathing out, but don’t remove hands