Cough

Disease class: Respiration disorders

Definition

A natural reflex reaction to irritation of the air passages and lungs. Air is drawn into the air passages with the glottiswide open. The inhaled air is blown out against the closed glottis, which, as the pressure builds up, suddenly opens, expelling the air – at an estimated speed of 960 kilometres (600 miles) an hour. This explosive exhalation expels harmful substances from the respiratory tract.

Source: Black's Medical Dictionary (42nd ed, 2010, ISBN 978-1-4081-0419-4)

The power of a patient's cough is important to assess their ability to protect their airways.