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Home Knowledge Center Wellness Library Spinal Cord Injury: Costophrenic Assist (Assisted Cough)

Spinal Cord Injury: Costophrenic Assist (Assisted Cough)

Getting Started

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.

Caregiver doing costophrenic assist to person sitting in chair, showing hands placed on lower rib cage and pushing down and in.
  1. 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.
  2. You take a deep breath and hold it until the caregiver tells you to cough.
  3. 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.
  • Had recent surgery.
  • Have osteoporosis.
  • Are pregnant.

Current as of: July 31, 2024

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.

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Ignite Healthwise, LLC, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content.

To learn more about Ignite Healthwise, LLC, visit webmdignite.com.

© 2024 Ignite Healthwise, LLC. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Ignite Healthwise, LLC.

Related Links

Living With a Spinal Cord Injury Spinal Cord Injury: Self-Assisted Cough

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