What is the stop-cough technique?

This technique is designed to be used for persistent, non-productive coughing. Coughing requires a lot of energy and puts a lot of pressure on the pelvic floor muscles and repeated coughing can lead to incontinence.

When should I cough?

You should only cough when you are confident that you will produce sputum. For all other coughs, you must use the stop-cough technique.

The stop-cough technique

• As soon as you feel you are about to cough, put your hand over your mouth (this stops you taking a big breath through your mouth).
• Swallow once.
• Hold your breath for the count of 10.
• Take a small breath in and out through your nose.
• Breathe slowly and gently for at least 30 seconds. Keep your hand over your mouth.
• Tell yourself you are not going to cough.
• Finally take a smooth, normal-sized breath through your nose and take your hand away from your mouth.
• If you still feel a tickle in your throat, repeat the exercise from the beginning.

Remember the four Ss

• Smother
• Swallow
• Stop breathing
• Small breathing