Clinical Considerations
➤ General comments
– Coughing clears foreign particles and accumulated mucus from the respiratory passages.
– Coughing is a response to foreign particles caused by stimulation of neuroreceptors located on the larynx and esophageal bifurcation at the opening of the stem bronchi. The stimulus is usually mechanical, but sometimes also chemical or thermal in nature. The cough reflex travels through the afferent nerve fibers to the cough center of the medulla oblongata. Additional cough receptors are located in the bronchi, alveoli, and throat. A smaller number of receptors can be found in the nose and paranasal sinuses. Connected to the cough center are receptors in the auditory canal, esophagus, and stomach. Coughing is induced when these receptors are stimulated.
– Coughing...