Coughing, something we all do every now and then is one of the most common symptoms of an illness that occurs due to viruses and often comes on as the last symptom of a retreating cold or viral flu. Other reasons that could trigger coughing are smoke, or dust in the surroundings and allergies.

Though it could be annoying at times, it isn’t generally harmful and is a very helpful process. It protects our body by getting rid of germy mucus and foreign particles such as dust, microbes, allergens, and bacteria, and attempts to clear the throat by forcing air out of the lungs under high pressure. But the vital question is: what is happening inside our bodies while we cough?

When someone inhales a foreign particle or irritant that enters the trachea/windpipe, it can interrupt our breathing. In that case, our brain gets alert and activates the cough reflex. Next, the vocal cords open up wider than usual, which increases the volume of air being drawn into the lungs, after that, the epiglottis closes over the windpipe effectively shutting off the flow of air, then the rib muscles and the abdominal muscles contract, putting pressure on the lungs, and because the epiglottis is closed, the air can’t move out, thereby resulting in increased pressure, eventually, the epiglottis is forced open, causing the air to burst out with a tremendous force along with the foreign particle.

All these happen in the fraction of a second and you are totally unaware & often undisturbed by the entire process. Finally, the breathing is restored to normal level and all the irritants are expelled. So when next you find yourself on a coughing spree, understand that your body is trying to get rid of/ is reacting to something, and appreciate your body system for doing a good job.

NOTE: Most lingering coughs are normal and harmless, but if you keep coughing for a long period of time, and don’t understand what might be causing it/or if your cough isn’t getting better after a week or so, please visit your doctor as soon as possible