Simple breathing exercises for chronic cough relief

Living with a persistent cough can be exhausting. Whether your cough has been present for months or years, it can affect every aspect of daily life and cause frustration, embarrassment and social isolation. Many people experience ongoing throat irritation, as a constant tickle, or the urge to repeatedly clear their throat. Over time, it may feel as though the coughing has become automatic and impossible to control. 

In this video, Dr Danielle Stone, Clinical Specialist Speech Pathologist, shares practical strategies to help people better understand and manage their cough. Drawing on more than 20 years of clinical experience, Dr Stone explains that cough control is possible, even for those who have struggled with cough for a long time. With the right techniques and regular practice, cough control can become a useful tool in managing a persistent cough, rather than a last-resort option. 

This video demonstrates simple breathing techniques and provides guidance on:

• breathing methods that work to open the voice box  

• reduce throat irritation

• give you greater control over cough urges before they escalate.  

With step-by-step directions and real-time exercises to follow along, to help you recognise when a cough is about to start and how to stop it before it gets worse. 

Importantly, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to treatment. These breathing techniques should be used alongside care from your healthcare team and are most effective when tailored to your individual needs. If your cough has not been medically investigated, it is important to seek advice from your GP or healthcare professional. 

Whether you are new to exploring ways to manage your cough or looking for additional tools to support your treatment, this video provides a valuable starting point for understanding the basics of cough control and building confidence to take control of your symptoms. 

1.32 = What is cough control? 

4.10 = Practice the technique together 

6.05 = When a cough starts to get worse   

6.36 = When a cough starts to settle down   

7.00 = Regaining control during a coughing fit 

Use this video alongside our tips to manage chronic cough factsheet for other helpful suggestions.