Coughing and sickness are inevitable parts of life, and many people who develop a sickness in their respiratory system also experience mucus development in the lungs and esophagus. This can make breathing more difficult and lead to coughing up mucus throughout the day and at night. Mucus can be very uncomfortable to some individuals, and although it is sometimes used by the body to catch contaminants and protect the respiratory system, some people choose to try and eliminate the mucus as quickly as possible. The best way to do this is through a method the Cleveland Clinic calls "controlled coughing."
Step 1
Sit down on a chair or on the edge of a bed, planting your feet flat on the floor. Fold your arms across your stomach. Sit up straight and lean slightly forward, relaxing your body.
Step 2
Breathe air in slowly through the nose, filling the lungs.
Step 3
Lean forward, pressing your stomach onto your arms, which act similar to your diaphragm in pushing air out of the body. As air is leaving the body, cough quickly and sharply two or three times.
Step 4
Sit up straight and breathe in slowly again through the nose--this slow breathing minimizes how much the mucus is pushed back down your esophagus. Quick, deep breaths will counteract the progress made by coughing.
Step 5
Lean forward and cough two or three times, again making the coughs short and strong.
Step 6
Give yourself a few minutes to rest, breathing rhythmically and slowly. Repeat the process as needed, coughing up mucus as it comes.
