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Huff Technique

Posted by picartist @picartist, Oct 9 7:39am

I really have a hard time doing the Huff Technique because I cannot take a deep breath without coughing. I would not mind doing it but those coughs just keep interfering with the three breaths and huff technique. I cannot get beyond the first breath. No question this does stimulate my lungs but I would like to get over the coughing part so I can get it done without a half hour of trying and harsh coughing. Any thoughts are appreciated.

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scoop | @scoop | Oct 9 8:40am

I can certainly relate with this dilemma. How about practicing taking very small gentle breaths in and out. Almost like a whisper breath. Don't worry about it not being deep enough. Focus on breathing from your belly first. I find it's helpful to place one hand on belly and the other on upper chest while breathing in and out GENTLY.

Have you seen this demo? It's one of my favorites demonstrating the huff cough. Hope it's helpful.

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amap2025 | @amap2025 | Oct 10 8:15am

I can relate to your challenges. I think it took me 3 month to figure the huff cough out. I agree with the belly breathing and hand positioning to find the procedure

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juliea55 | @juliea55 | Oct 11 8:20am

My breakthrough came when I realized that you start with very small breaths (like blowing on a mirror), then graduate to bigger breaths, then finally open your mouth wide and do a big breath or two. The videos on huff coughing posted by Dr Pamela McShane, who has studied MAC for many years, are extremely helpful. They show how gently the process really starts. They are much more eloquent that I am. Good luck!

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juliea55 | @juliea55 | Oct 11 9:48am

BTW, I don’t always sit around and huff cough after nebulizing. I find I can do some huff coughing as I go about my day, such as in the car. Just be sure to bring kleenex. Also, for me sometimes it is better to huff cough after an hour or two has passed, rather than immediately after nebulizing. Again, good luck. I know this process is very frustrating.

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picartist | @picartist | Oct 11 10:39am
In reply to @juliea55 "My breakthrough came when I realized that you start with very small breaths (like blowing on..." + (show)
Profile picture for juliea55 @juliea55

My breakthrough came when I realized that you start with very small breaths (like blowing on a mirror), then graduate to bigger breaths, then finally open your mouth wide and do a big breath or two. The videos on huff coughing posted by Dr Pamela McShane, who has studied MAC for many years, are extremely helpful. They show how gently the process really starts. They are much more eloquent that I am. Good luck!

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@juliea55 Great video thanks for information.

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