Cough

Sudden respiratory tract response to irritation to remove accumulated secretions, pus, foreign bodies, irritants, or microbes. During coughing, air is deeply inhaled and forcibly exhaled through a closed glottis, the glottis opens suddenly, and inhalation occurs again. Coughing can be voluntary or involuntary. Frequent coughing usually indicates a respiratory tract disease.

Source | Author Doctor Nikas Samuolis, reviewed by Prof. Virginijus Šapoka | Vilnius University | Faculty of Medicine | Head of the Department of Internal Medicine, Family Medicine, and Oncology