Coughing is a sudden expulsion of air from the lungs through the epiglottis at an amazingly fast speed (estimated at 100 miles per hour). With such a strong force of air, coughing is the body’s mechanism for clearing the breathing passageways of unwanted irritants.
In order for a cough to occur, several events need to take place in sequence. First, the vocal cords open widely, allowing additional air to pass through into the lungs. Then the epiglottis closes off the windpipe (larynx), and simultaneously, the abdominal and rib muscles contract, increasing the pressure behind the epiglottis. With the increased pressure, the air is forcefully expelled, and creates a rushing sound as it moves very quickly past the vocal cords. The rushing air dislodges the irritant, making it possible to breathe comfortably again.
|
A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation
HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation
program is the first of
its kind, requiring compliance with 53 standards of quality and accountability,
verified by independent audit. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important
distinction for online health information and services. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial
process. A.D.A.M. is also a
founding member of Hi-Ethics (www.hiethics.com) and subscribes to the principles
of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch).
©Copyright
A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the
information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
The information provided herein should not be used during any
medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition.
A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any
and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to
other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements
of those other sites.
|
