Stopping the urge to cough: 8 tips that can help you manage a coughing fit (2024)

Sweets and chewing gum stimulate the flow of saliva, which in turn keeps your throat moist. If you feel you need to cough because your throat is tickly, this tip definitely helps.

If you can feel that you need to cough, breathe or cough with pursed lips or through your fist. These two breathing techniques are known as stenosis breathing – i.e. breathing against resistance. This slows the speed of the exhaled air right down. It also protects the bronchial tubes from collapsing.

» you can also use the PARI PEP systems for stenosis breathing

What if your urge to cough is already past the point of no return? Then cough against your fist, the back of your hand or a tissue held directly over your mouth. This makes it easier to cough and means that the coughing fit does not last as long.

You can also prevent coughing fits by holding your breath as soon as you get the urge to cough and resisting the pressure building up in your lungs. Hold your breath for as long as you can and do not breathe. Then take short shallow breaths after you have held your breath. After this conscious shallow breathing, hold your breath again.

Repeat this pattern as many times as you need to. If you have the feeling that you no longer need to cough, carefully take a deep breath in and out. This helps you test if your airways are stabilised again. If not, repeat the conscious shallow breathing.

In certain situations or physical conditions, a cough may come on quicker than usual. Usually this happens if your airways are already or are becoming irritated (if you have an infection, for example).

Try to avoid situations or circ*mstances, such as:

• stress, having to rush around
• talking quickly
• getting too hot (such as dressing too warm when you are exercising or high room temperatures)
• cold and dry or cold and damp air (outside in winter or autumn)
• any type of air pollution (such as passive smoking, pollen, dust or stuffy air)

Be vigilant and reflect when and what makes you more likely to cough or triggers an urge to cough in you. Where possible, avoid this specific trigger that makes you want to cough.

Do you find that you cough more in winter (central heating) or after situations where you are exposed to air pollution (such as Sahara dust in the air, exhaust fumes or dusting)? In that case, inhalation therapy with a nebuliser can help you moisten your lungs and release the dirt particles trapped in the mucus. Often mucus triggers a coughing fit because it blocks or constricts the bronchial tubes.

If you consistently have coughing fits, you are strongly advised to go to the doctor so they can get to the bottom of what is making you cough. The GP or pulmonary practice will generally prescribe a suitable respiratory therapy.

About Rita Kieselmann

This article was written in cooperation with the experienced physiotherapist and respiratory therapist Rita Kieselmann, who has been working in this field since 1974. Her focus is on the treatment of children and adults with chronic respiratory diseases.

Rita Kieselmann is the founder of the Physiotherapy working group in the Mukoviszidose e. V. (Cystic Fibrosis Association in Germany). She has also developed self-help techniques for clearing mucus such as modified autogenic drainage and others.

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