quad coughing /kwod/ , a form of assisted coughing for patients with central nervous system disorders such as spinal cord injury who are unable to generate sufficient force to clear respiratory secretions. After a maximal inspiration, the patient coughs while a qualified health or allied health professional exerts gentle upward and inward pressure with both hands on the abdomen. The patient’s family and support system can also be taught the procedure. The increased intraabdominal pressure produces a more forceful cough.
