coughing as a protective reflex

To cough is normal. If you're like many people, you cough once or twice an hour while awake and may not even realize it. But when a nagging cough disrupts your sleep, embarrasses you or bothers others, getting rid of that cough becomes a priority. Although some coughs need your doctor's attention, many respond to simple self-care and the right medicine.

Coughing: A line of defense

Your respiratory system works nonstop to defend against irritations and infections. Layers of mucus (phlegm) lining your nose and airways trap particles such as pollen or dust, chemicals and infectious organisms that may enter your body from the environment. In response to the irritation or infection, your body steps up production of mucus.

Coughing is a protective reflex that occurs when an irritant stimulates one of several cough receptors in your airways. The receptor sends a message to your brain, signaling your body to cough. Coughing helps clear your airways of mucus, taking with it irritants trapped in the sticky secretions.