Coughing may feel like the right way to clear stubborn phlegm and mucus, but in truth it only makes the situation worse. Coughing draws cold, dry, unfiltered air into the airways and results in a huge loss of carbon dioxide. The loss of carbon dioxide causes the airways to constrict as smooth muscle goes into spasm. The cold dry air further inflames, irritates and dries out the delicate mucus membranes lining the airways. Mucus production increases. Coughing dries out the mucus making it sticky and harder to dislodge.
- Frequent coughing is a common symptom of hyperventilation and in particular, habitual mouth-breathing.
- Traditional management of conditions like chronic bronchitis and bronchiectasis often involves manoeuvres like postural drainage in which sufferers are encouraged to increase their breathing volume...
