Cough Away Pain- It Works!

Coughing reduces the pain of a needle being inserted into the skin for a local anesthetic, an intravenous (IV) line or when blood is drawn.

Reason: Coughing at the moment the needle is injected distracts a part of the brain that also perceives pain.

Important: Before trying this approach, ask the practitioner to observe whether you move your arm when you cough.