Quad Coughing (Assisted Coughing)

Coughing is important to bring up mucous secretions and clear the airways for breathing. Coughing helps to prevent choking and upper respiratory infections. Depending on your level and severity of injury, you may have less ability to cough to keep your airways clear.

Assisted coughing (quad coughing) and devices that help manage secretions

If your ability to cough is not working or is weak (tetraplegia and high paraplegia), you will need help with coughing. An assisted cough allows another person to help you to clear your airways. Your caregiver will be taught how to help you with this.

How it is done:

• Lie down on your back or sit up in bed or in your wheelchair.

• Have the person helping you place one hand flat on your trunk below the ribs and above the belly button.

• Push down and up with the hand as you breathe out. 

• Cough up any secretions that you can.

You may require a cough assist machine or other devices to help you clear your airways and keep your lungs clear. Your doctor will decide if one of these devices is needed.