I started my asthma-like cough the other night and jumped up and down a few minutes, cough gone. The jumping jars the bad stuff loose. Don't know if that will work with all kinds of coughs but I'd certainly try it.
That makes sense, breaking it up. Of course with my bad knees I may buy more problems jumping ;) .I haven't been sick in years, knock on wood, but would be happy to try anything when I am.
In my opinion, huffing black pepper should work wonders for emphysema patients - sneeze therapy.