Deep Breathing & Coughing

Purpose of Deep Breathing & Coughing

Improve oxygenation.

Purpose of Deep Breathing & Coughing

Expand the alveoli.

Purpose of Deep Breathing & Coughing

Prevent or reduce atelectasis (collapse of alveoli).

Purpose of Deep Breathing & Coughing

Help loosen and mobilize mucus/secretions.

Purpose of Deep Breathing & Coughing

Coughing moves secretions from small to large airways for removal.

Pursed-Lip Breathing

Used for dyspnea, especially COPD.

Pursed-Lip Breathing

Inhale normally through the nose.

Pursed-Lip Breathing

Purse lips as if whistling.

Pursed-Lip Breathing

Exhale slowly and gently through pursed lips.

Pursed-Lip Breathing

Tighten abdominal muscles slightly to assist exhalation.

Normal Forceful Cough (Technique)

Inhale deeply.

Normal Forceful Cough (Technique)

Hold breath briefly.

Normal Forceful Cough (Technique)

Cough twice while exhaling.

Normal Forceful Cough – 1st Cough

Loosens/moves mucus.

Normal Forceful Cough – 2nd Cough

Expels secretions from the airway.

Huff Coughing (Forced Expiratory Technique)

Used when clients (e.g., COPD or weakened muscles) can't perform a strong normal cough.

Huff Coughing

Exhale forcefully making a "huff" sound (like fogging a mirror).

Huff Coughing (Rationale)

A forceful cough creates high chest pressure, which may collapse weak/diseased airways.

Huff Coughing (Rationale)

Huff coughing avoids collapsing weak/diseased airways.

Huff Coughing

Moves mucus upward.

Huff Coughing

Keeps airways open.

Huff Coughing

Reduces airway collapse.