The Neurological Connection to Cough
A cough is a crucial defensive reflex that prevents materials from entering the lower airways. This prevents aspiration of particulate matter, secretions, and irritants inhaled from entering the airway. Although protective, once infectious organisms enter the airway and establish infection (bronchitis, pneumonia), coughing itself can spread infectious respiratory diseases such as viral, bacterial, tuberculosis, and gram-negative bacteria. Besides infection, diseases like COPD, asthma, gastric esophageal reflux disease (GERD), and rhinosinusitis can cause a chronic cough.1 Chronic cough can be harmful and impact the patient’s quality of life.
What are the neuronal pathways that are activated in the cough reflex?
