A strong cough is important to help clear the lungs of mucus. If you have a weak cough or a lot of mucus, you may need an assisted cough.
In a costophrenic assist, another person pushes on your rib cage to help you cough. This is done while you are sitting up in a bed or chair. If you're in a wheelchair, be sure to set the brakes and use the seat belt. Wait 30 minutes after a meal before you do an assisted cough.
Use these steps to do a costophrenic assist.
Your caregiver places their hands on the lowest part of your rib cage, with their fingers wrapped around your sides and their thumbs pointing toward the center of your chest.
You take a deep breath and hold it until the caregiver tells you to cough.
When you cough, the caregiver quickly and firmly squeezes your ribs, pushing down and in and holding for 3 seconds. It may take practice to coordinate your cough with the motion.
Talk to your doctor before trying this. Some people shouldn't try an assisted cough. This may include those who:
Are in pain.
Have a chest or back injury, such as an unstable spinal injury or a broken rib.
Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff Clinical Review Board All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
Clinical Review Board All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
Clinical Review Board All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
Esta información no reemplaza la consulta médica. Ignite Healthwise, LLC niega toda garantía y responsabilidad por el uso de esta información. El uso que usted haga de esta información implica que usted acepta los Términos de uso y Política de privacidad. Aprenda how we develop our content.
La Enciclopedia de salud contiene información general de salud. No todos los tratamientos o servicios descritos son beneficios cubiertos para los miembros de Kaiser Permanente ni se ofrecen como servicios de Kaiser Permanente. Para obtener una lista de beneficios cubiertos, consulte su Evidencia de cobertura o Descripción resumida del plan. Para los tratamientos recomendados, consulte con su proveedor de atención médica.