This post is only educational. For further information kindly consult to your physician or physiotherapist for personalised advice.
A cough happens when a rush of air is expelled through your lungs bringing up any unwanted phlegm or sputum. It can be considered as a wonderful natural mechanism that is important to maintain your airways clear. Coughing is how your body eliminates things from your lungs.
Understanding how the cough occurs. When something which irritates the cough receptors present in the airway., a cough is produced. The cough could also be caused through a conscious decision ,not only through the reflex arc .If the cause for a cough is inflammation or irritation of the airways, a dry cough is produced. If the body produces phlegm, then a productive cough is present.
Why coughing is important?
Some of you may notice that they cough more than others because you have more mucous or phlegm. Expectorating any phlegm present is important especially if
you have been diagnosed with a chest infection. This will keep the tubes for
breathing open and make it easier to breathe.
How to cough?
It can be hard work to cough. It can wear you out and make you feel tired.
Taking the following steps will help you cough less and feel better:
1. Sit up.
2. Inhale slowly and deeply until your lungs are almost full.
3. Try to hold your deep breath for 2 to 3 seconds.
4. Cough twice with a slightly open mouth.
The mucus is broken up by the first cough.
When you cough a second time, it moves to the back of your throat.
5. Take a slow, gentle sniff to take a breath.
If you cough and then take a big breath in, the mucus may go back into your lungs.
6. Cough into a paper towel.
Don't forget to look at the colour is you manage to expectorate. This step is important for identifying if you have an infection or not ,as different colours of your sputum are related to different pathologies. It is therefore diagnoses so its always important to check the colour and report to your physician if need be.
7. Rest.Its important to rest after coughing ,which will help you recover your breathing and strength.
8. Get your hands clean.This step is important to prevent any cross contamination, from touching other surfaces.
9. Keep well hydrated. If you are dehydrated, phlegm becomes harder to bring up and more
strenuous on you.
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