Health Library

Huff Cough

The huff cough is a certain way of coughing that keeps the throat open longer. This helps remove mucus from the lungs.

About Huff Coughs

• It allows the air to move past the mucus in the airways.
• The air helps move the mucus from the smaller airways to the larger airways.
• Once the mucus is in the larger airways, it makes it easier to cough out the mucus.

When to do Huff Coughs

• Any time a cough is needed
• During and after any airway clearance

Instructions for Huff Cough

1. Have your child sit up straight.
2. Tilt your child's chin up slightly – this will help open their throat.
3. Have your child open their mouth.
4. Have your child take slightly deeper breaths than normal for one to two minutes.
5. Have your child take in a slow breath.
6. Have your child hold their breath for three seconds. (This lets air get behind the mucus.)
7. Have your child blow out evenly. Blow out a little longer than normal. Blow out until just before they feel the need to cough. (Remind your child to try NOT to cough.)
8. Repeat this process (steps 1-7) two more times.
9. Have your child cough normally to get rid of mucus.

Tips

• Remind your child to keep their throat wide open when blowing out.
• If you hear “wheezing” sounds, have them breathe out more softly.
• Practice with small, medium and large breaths.