Home > Patients & Visitors > Health Library > Spinal Cord Injury: Assisted Cough
People who have had a
spinal cord injury (SCI) don't always have the
ability to cough forcefully. A forceful cough is important, because it will
help you bring up
mucus in the lungs, which can help prevent some lung
complications, such as
But some people shouldn't try assisted cough. Don't use an assisted cough if you:
If your cough is weak, and if it is difficult to bring up mucus or you
know you have lots of mucus, you need an assisted cough. In an assisted cough,
another person pushes on your chest to help you cough. An assisted cough is
done while you are sitting up in a bed or chair. If you are in a wheelchair, be
sure to put the brakes on.
See a picture of this type of
Another technique may be used if the first one doesn't work or if
See a picture of this other type of
If you have enough arm strength, you may be able to help yourself
See a picture of a
ByHealthwise StaffPrimary Medical ReviewerAdam Husney, MD - Family MedicineSpecialist Medical ReviewerNancy Greenwald, MD - Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Current as ofOctober 14, 2016
Current as of:
October 14, 2016
Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine & Nancy Greenwald, MD - Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
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