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Huff Cough vs Regular Cough

Posted by blm1007blm1007 @blm1007blm1007, Jun 1 8:02am

@irenea8, @sueinmn,@scoop and @becleartoday
When we talk about coughing there are two types of coughs that I am aware of with one being suggested and used with clearing out mucus, that is the huff cough.
I Googled Huff Cough vs Regular Cough.
AI Info regarding Huff Cough vs Regular Cough with the first info stating: " A huff cough is a gentler technique for clearing mucus compared to a regular cough. It focuses on controlled airflow, keeping the throat open, and using a "huff" sound as air is exhaled. A regular cough is a more forceful and often louder expulsion of air, potentially leading to airway collapse and making mucus clearance more difficult."
My understanding is that when we do a regular cough, especially when we do a regular cough and it is classified as an exacerbation, it could be causing the type of damage to the lungs that eventually causes us to bleed from the lungs.
Any thoughts or do I misunderstand??? Help!
I Googled: does a regular cough cause damage to the lungs if one has an exacerbation.
AI info's first information said and relates to Bronchiectasis: "Yes, a persistent cough, especially during a COPD exacerbation, can contribute to lung damage. Coughing, while a natural way to clear airways, can become excessive and damaging during exacerbations, potentially leading to further irritation, inflammation, and reduced lung function."
There is more information with each googled area I mentioned above.
So from my perspective it means that we need to resort to and change to a huff cough if we find ourselves doing a regular cough.
Any thoughts or do I misunderstand?????? Help!
I thought we should specifically clarify when posting which cough we are referring to when we use the word 'cough"
Any thoughts or do I misunderstand???? Help!
Do they know if it is more loose phlegm/mucus or more of a mucus plug that seems to bring on a coughing exacerbation?? Help!
Barbara

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becleartoday | @becleartoday | Jun 1 8:55am

Hi Barbara,

Sometimes, we just can’t suppress a cough—and in those moments, we have no choice but to let it happen. But if we find ourselves on a coughing jag, sipping water or sucking on a lozenge can help calm things down.

When we can choose, experts recommend opting for a gentler cough rather than a harsh, forceful one. A strong cough can actually trigger the body to produce more mucus in an effort to protect the airways, which can lead to more inflammation—exactly what we’re trying to avoid.

The same goes for throat clearing. When possible, it’s better to sip water or try a “hard swallow” instead of repeatedly clearing your throat. There’s also some evidence that chewing gum or even humming can help reduce the urge.

Bottom line —easy does it—gentle strategies often go a long way in managing symptoms.

Warm regards,
Linda Esposito

REPLY
2 replies
blm1007blm1007 | @blm1007blm1007 | Jun 1 10:30am
In reply to @becleartoday "Hi Barbara, Sometimes, we just can’t suppress a cough—and in those moments, we have no choice..." + (show)
@becleartoday

Hi Barbara,

Sometimes, we just can’t suppress a cough—and in those moments, we have no choice but to let it happen. But if we find ourselves on a coughing jag, sipping water or sucking on a lozenge can help calm things down.

When we can choose, experts recommend opting for a gentler cough rather than a harsh, forceful one. A strong cough can actually trigger the body to produce more mucus in an effort to protect the airways, which can lead to more inflammation—exactly what we’re trying to avoid.

The same goes for throat clearing. When possible, it’s better to sip water or try a “hard swallow” instead of repeatedly clearing your throat. There’s also some evidence that chewing gum or even humming can help reduce the urge.

Bottom line —easy does it—gentle strategies often go a long way in managing symptoms.

Warm regards,
Linda Esposito

Jump to this post

Yes, the chewing gum does help. Not happy about chewing gum but it does do the trick a great many times with the urge to clear the throat. I just tear off a small piece of stick gum.
Thanks for your reply and help.
Barbara

REPLY
mariegrace | @mariegrace | Jun 1 11:11am
In reply to @becleartoday "Hi Barbara, Sometimes, we just can’t suppress a cough—and in those moments, we have no choice..." + (show)
@becleartoday

Hi Barbara,

Sometimes, we just can’t suppress a cough—and in those moments, we have no choice but to let it happen. But if we find ourselves on a coughing jag, sipping water or sucking on a lozenge can help calm things down.

When we can choose, experts recommend opting for a gentler cough rather than a harsh, forceful one. A strong cough can actually trigger the body to produce more mucus in an effort to protect the airways, which can lead to more inflammation—exactly what we’re trying to avoid.

The same goes for throat clearing. When possible, it’s better to sip water or try a “hard swallow” instead of repeatedly clearing your throat. There’s also some evidence that chewing gum or even humming can help reduce the urge.

Bottom line —easy does it—gentle strategies often go a long way in managing symptoms.

Warm regards,
Linda Esposito

Jump to this post

I try not to do huff cough because the way the PT demonstrated was very forceful which made my stomach hurt and can cause reflux.
I cough mostly inthe morning to expel mucous accumulation during the night.
Marie

REPLY
1 reply
blm1007blm1007 | @blm1007blm1007 | Jun 1 12:29pm
In reply to @mariegrace "I try not to do huff cough because the way the PT demonstrated was very forceful..." + (show)
@mariegrace

I try not to do huff cough because the way the PT demonstrated was very forceful which made my stomach hurt and can cause reflux.
I cough mostly inthe morning to expel mucous accumulation during the night.
Marie

Jump to this post

Hello Marie-
Overall the huff cough is suggested because it is not suppose to be so forceful to cause pressure or tension and hopefully not for you to experience reflux.
Take your deep breaths through the nose, hold it and then just gently huff cough, meaning you would be making a ha, ha, ha sound.
Have you watched one or more of the many good videos showing how to do the huff cough.
Some people hold a pillow to the abdomen when they huff cough.
Barbara

REPLY
1 reply
jnmy | @jnmy | Jun 2 7:38am
In reply to @blm1007blm1007 "Hello Marie- Overall the huff cough is suggested because it is not suppose to be so..." + (show)
@blm1007blm1007

Hello Marie-
Overall the huff cough is suggested because it is not suppose to be so forceful to cause pressure or tension and hopefully not for you to experience reflux.
Take your deep breaths through the nose, hold it and then just gently huff cough, meaning you would be making a ha, ha, ha sound.
Have you watched one or more of the many good videos showing how to do the huff cough.
Some people hold a pillow to the abdomen when they huff cough.
Barbara

Jump to this post

I use the huff cough with postural drainage twice a day. I do find the breathing techniques and huff cough work well, but often it isn’t just a gentle huff cough that helps to expel mucus. It’s a forceful cough at times.

That coupled with lying on my back, legs pulled up and hands behind my head seems to work. I turn on my side with the one arm raised and breathe, hold breath for count of five, exhale strongly engaging diaphragm , then hold breath again for a 5-10 count, and get up and huff cough to expel mucus. Works well. Sometimes I put a pillow under my hips.

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