Getting in detail about cough
Posted on: 21/Jul/2015 11:05:39 AM
While you are suffering from cough, you get annoyed and painful. But while you cough, particles in your throat that keep irritating will get rid of it. This however is not what cough is meant to do. It is important to know the exact process of cough to tackle the problem well. Here is a brief note on cough for your better understanding of the condition and process.
Anatomy of respiratory system:
Our respiratory system comprises of nose, mouth, pharynx or throat, voice box or larynx, wind pipe or trachea, bronchi which are tiny air tubes and lungs. The respiratory tract is of upper and lower respiratory tracts. The upper respiratory tract comprises of nose, sinuses and larynx, while the lower respiratory tract is of trachea, bronchi and lungs.
Several sensory nerves that have their roots in the medulla oblongata of the brain known as ‘cough center’. They supply the linings of bronchi.
What are cough receptors?
In parts of respiratory tract including trachea, bronchi, pharynx, etc, there are cough receptors. These point to places where the large airways branch. Mechanical stimuli such as touch or movement or chemical stimuli such as acid substances, heat or other component are received by these tracts. These are also found in eardrums, sinuses, pleura or the membranes that cover lungs, pharynx, etc. These receptors respond to mechanical stimuli.
What is coughing and what happens when you do?
Coughing is a reflex that is induced in the respiratory system due to the presence of chemical or mechanical stimulus. Following this, an impulse travels in the nerves and reaches cough center in medulla. The cough center then responds and send information to muscles in the respiratory system for contracting in order to send away the irritant from the body with large force involving an outburst of air.
Harmful effects of cough:
Prolonged coughing can be serious and lead to harmful effects including:
· Headache
· Dizzy feel
· Leads to urinary incontinence
· Fatigue and tired feel
· Chest and back pain
These symptoms are a result of vigorous coughing that causes high pressure.
