Cough, Reflex: From 1 Different Sources
A cough induced by intestinal, gastric or uterine irritation, and not from respiratory causes.
A natural re?ex reaction to irritation of the AIR PASSAGES and LUNGS. Air is drawn into the air passages with the GLOTTIS wide 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. Causes of coughing include infection – for example, BRONCHITIS or PNEUMONIA; in?ammation of the respiratory tract associated with ASTHMA; and exposure to irritant agents such as chemical fumes or smoke (see also CROUP).
The explosive nature of coughing results in a spray of droplets into the surrounding air and, if these are infective, hastens the spread of colds (see COLD, COMMON) and INFLUENZA. Coughing is, however, a useful reaction, helping the body to rid itself of excess phlegm (mucus) and other irritants. The physical e?ort of persistent coughing, however, can itself increase irritation of the air passages and cause distress to the patient. Severe and protracted coughing may, rarely, fracture a rib or cause PNEUMOTHORAX. Coughs can be classi?ed as productive – when phlegm is present – and dry, when little or no mucus is produced.
Most coughs are the result of common-cold infections but a persistent cough with yellow or green sputum is indicative of infection, usually bronchitis, and sufferers should seek medical advice as medication and postural drainage (see PHYSIOTHERAPY) may be needed. PLEURISY, pneumonia and lung CANCER are all likely to cause persistent coughing, sometimes associated with chest pain, so it is clearly important for people with a persistent cough, usually accompanied by malaise or PYREXIA, to seek medical advice.
Treatment Treatment of coughs requires treatment of the underlying cause. In the case of colds, symptomatic treatment with simple remedies such as inhalation of steam is usually as e?ective as any medicines, though ANALGESICS or ANTIPYRETICS may be helpful if pain or a raised temperature are among the symptoms. Many over-the-counter preparations are available and can help people cope with the symptoms. Preparations may contain an analgesic, antipyretic, decongestant or antihistamine in varying combinations. Cough medicines are generally regarded by doctors as ine?ective unless used in doses so large they are likely to cause sedation as they act on the part of the brain that controls the cough re?ex.
Cough suppressants may contain CODEINE, DEXTROMETHORPHAN, PHOLCODINE and sedating ANTIHISTAMINE DRUGS. Expectorant preparations usually contain subemetic doses of substances such as ammonium chloride, IPECACUANHA, and SQUILL (none of which have proven worth), while demulcent preparations contain soothing, harmless agents such as syrup or glycerol.
A list of systemic cough and decongestant preparations on sale to the public, together with their key ingredients, appears in the British National Formulary.... cough
Whooping-cough, or pertussis, is a respiratory-tract infection caused by Bordetella pertussis and spread by droplets. It may occur at all ages, but around 90 per cent of cases are children aged under ?ve. Most common during the winter months, it tends to occur in epidemics (see EPIDEMIC), with periods of increased prevalence occurring every three to four years. It is a noti?able disease (see NOTIFIABLE DISEASES). The routine vaccination of infants with TRIPLE VACCINE (see also VACCINE; IMMUNISATION), which includes the vaccine against whooping-cough, has drastically reduced the incidence of this potentially dangerous infection. In the 1990s over 90 per cent of children in England had been vaccinated against whooping-cough by their second birthday. In an epidemic of whooping-cough, which extended from the last quarter of 1977 to mid-1979, 102,500 cases of whooping-cough were noti?ed in the United Kingdom, with 36 deaths. This was the biggest outbreak since 1957 and its size was partly attributed to the fall in vaccination acceptance rates because of media reports suggesting that pertussis vaccination was potentially dangerous and ine?ective. In 2002, 105 cases were noti?ed in England.
Symptoms The ?rst, or catarrhal, stage is characterised by mild, but non-speci?c, symptoms of sneezing, conjunctivitis (see under EYE, DISORDERS OF), sore throat, mild fever and cough. Lasting 10–14 days, this stage is the most infectious; unfortunately it is almost impossible to make a de?nite clinical diagnosis, although analysis of a nasal swab may con?rm a suspected case. This is followed by the second, or paroxysmal, stage with irregular bouts of coughing, often prolonged, and typically more severe at night. Each paroxysm consists of a succession of short sharp coughs, increasing in speed and duration, and ending in a deep, crowing inspiration, often with a characteristic ‘whoop’. Vomiting is common after the last paroxysm of a series. Lasting 2–4 weeks, this stage is the most dangerous, with the greatest risk of complications. These may include PNEUMONIA and partial collapse of the lungs, and ?ts may be induced by cerebral ANOXIA. Less severe complications caused by the stress of coughing include minor bleeding around the eyes, ulceration under the tongue, HERNIA and PROLAPSE of the rectum. Mortality is greatest in the ?rst year of life, particularly among neonates – infants up to four weeks old. Nearly all patients with whooping-cough recover after a few weeks, with a lasting IMMUNITY. Very severe cases may leave structural changes in the lungs, such as EMPHYSEMA, with a permanent shortness of breath or liability to ASTHMA.
Treatment Antibiotics, such as ERYTHROMYCIN or TETRACYCLINES, may be helpful if given during the catarrhal stage – largely in preventing spread to brothers and sisters – but are of no use during the paroxysmal stage. Cough suppressants are not always helpful unless given in high (and therefore potentially narcotic) doses, and skilled nursing may be required to maintain nutrition, particularly if the disease is prolonged, with frequent vomiting.... whooping-cough
A form of complementary medicine in which the practitioner massages parts of the patient’s feet in an attempt to treat disorders affecting other areas of the body.... reflexology
When a sharp body is drawn along the sole of the foot, instead of the toes bending down towards the sole as usual, the great toe is turned upwards and the other toes tend to spread apart. After the age of about two years, the presence of this re?ex indicates some severe disturbance in the upper part of the central nervous system. The Babinski re?ex may occur transiently during COMA or after an epileptic ?t and need not indicate permanent damage.... babinski reflex
The development of a speci?c response by an individual to a speci?c stimulus. The best-known conditioned re?ex is the one described by Ivan Pavlov, in which dogs that became accustomed to being fed when a bell was sounded salivated on hearing the bell, even if no food was given. The conditioned re?ex is an important part of behavioural theory.... conditioned reflex
Instinctive closing of the eyelids when the surface of the cornea (see EYE) is lightly touched with a ?ne hair.... corneal reflex
Temporary loss of consciousness that may be induced by a severe spasm of coughing. This is the result of the high pressure that may be induced in the chest – over 200 millimetres of mercury – by such a spasm, which prevents the return of blood to the heart. The veins in the neck begin to bulge and the blood pressure falls; this may so reduce the blood ?ow to the brain that the individual feels giddy and may then lose consciousness. (See FAINTING.)... cough syncope
The dry and unproductive coughing in early bronchitis, when the mucosa is irritated but still too infected to secrete mucus... cough, hectic
Attacks of uncontrollable coughing or “whooping”, often relating to whooping cough or bronchiectasis, but they can also be caused by the smoke from burning plastics and (memories of yesteryear) hash oil.... cough, paroxysmal
Assessment of victims of major trauma must include maintenance of their airways and breathing. Any false teeth, vomitus and foreign bodies should be removed, and the response to digital stimulation of the posterior pharyngeal wall – the ‘gag re?ex’ – assessed. Even with a normal gag re?ex, the airway may be seriously threatened if vomiting occurs. During the initial stages of resuscitation, careful and constant supervision of the airway is essential, with a high-volume sucker immediately available. If the gag re?ex is absent or impaired, an endotracheal tube should be inserted (see ENDOTRACHEAL INTUBATION).... gag reflex
A ‘protective’ cough occurring as a result of irritation of the LARYNX – for example, a small particle of food may be accidentally ‘inhaled’ into the larynx, which reacts with an expulsive cough to prevent the food from entering the lungs.... laryngeal reflex
Pupillary constriction in the EYE in response to light. The direct light re?ex involves pupillary constriction in the eye into which a light is shone; the consensual light re?ex is the pupillary constriction that occurs in the other eye. The a?erent or inward pathway of the re?ex is via the optic nerve, and the e?erent or outward pathway is via the occulomotor nerve.... light reflex
A primitive REFLEX ACTION occurring in newly born infants in response to a sudden movement or noise. Also known as the startle re?ex, the baby will throw its arms and legs wide and sti?en its body. This is followed by ?exion of the arms and legs. The re?ex disappears by four months; its persistence suggests a possible neurological condition such as CEREBRAL PALSY.... moro reflex
See REFLEX ACTION.... patellar reflex
Cough is a response from your body to let you know that you have respiratory problems.
Cough is very often associated with colds or pleurisy, but can also be triggered by both fungal and bacterial infections.
At times, cough is consistent with phlegm, but you can also experience a very rare type of cough in which a virus makes your body think that you suffer from flu or colds.
How a Tea for Cough Works
A Tea for Cough’s main purpose is to dissolve the phlegm or make your body produce enough antibodies to fight all infections. Since cough is not a disease itself, you may want to try an herbal remedy before rushing to the drug store.
However, not any tea is good for cough. When looking for a tea that could have a great effect on you and your body, you must keep in mind that you need a tea that’s both safe and very effective.
Efficient Tea for Cough
If you don’t know which teas to choose, here’s a list to guide you through:
- Licorice Root Tea – brings relief to your bronchial tubes by stimulating your body to produce a thin layer of mucus and protect the membranes.
You can also take it in case you’re suffering from other affections, such as menstrual and menopausal pains, stress, headaches, migraines and asthenia.
- Marshmallow Root Tea – this Tea for Cough with a subtle Christmas scent can treat any respiratory system ailments, cleansing your body and inducing a state of relaxation.
However, you must consult the specialist before taking this remedy in order to make sure everything will go as planned.
- Sundew Tea – is also used as an anti-spastic and has anti-inflammatory properties. This particular Tea for Cough is rich in vitamins, minerals, volatile oils and nutrients and it’s good for any kind of problem that could affect your upper chest area. However, this is not a very safe tea and you should only take it while supervised.
- Lemon Tea – make a decoction of lemons and drink it adding a hint of ginger, honey or mint in order to make it more pleasant. This is a good remedy for any auto-immune and inflammatory problems, starting with colds, flu and ending with sore throats.
You may want to give it a try if you’re also suffering from loss of appetite, sleeplessness or asthenia. This tea can rejuvenate your skin and improve your general health in a heartbeat!
Tea for Cough Side Effects
When taken properly, these teas are generally safe. However, high dosage may lead to a number of problems such as diarrhea, constipation, nausea, vomiting or even hallucinations.
Don’t take a Tea for Cough if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, on blood thinners (some of these teas will interfere with their action), anti coagulants or preparing for a surgery.
When in doubt, always ask your doctor about the risks that an herbal remedy implies. If you have his permission and you’re feeling adventurous today, choose a Tea for Cough that fits you best and enjoy its health benefits!... tea for cough
Eye movement that occurs after or during the slow injection of 20 ml of ice-cold water into each external auditory meatus (see EAR) in turn.... vestibulo-ocular reflex
Onion juice and honey. Slices of raw onion steeped overnight in 11b honey jar, quarter full, with screw cap. Taken by teaspoonful for obstructive airways disease, wheezing, etc. ... cough syrup
Over-the-counter medications for treating a cough. There are various preparations, but the effectiveness of most is unproven. Expectorant cough remedies are purported to encourage expulsion of sputum. Cough suppressants, which control the coughing reflex, include some antihistamine drugs and codeine. All cough suppressants may cause drowsiness.... cough remedies
An automatic movement in response to a stimulus that is present in newborn infants but disappears during the first few months after birth. Primitive reflexes are believed to represent actions that were important in earlier stages of human evolution. They include the grasp reflex when something is placed in the hand and the rooting reflex, which enables a baby to find the nipple. The rooting reflex can be evoked by touching the baby’s cheek with the fingertip. These reflexes are tested after birth to give an indication of the condition of the nervous system.... reflex, primitive
(convergence reflex) a reflex that occurs when an individual focuses on a near object, in which the crystalline lens becomes more convex, the pupils constrict, and the eyes turn inwards.... accommodation reflex
a primitive reflex that is present from birth but should disappear by six months of age. If the infant is lying on its back and the head is turned to one side, the arm and leg on the side to which the head is turned should straighten, and the arm and leg on the opposite side should bend (the ‘fencer’ position). Persistence of the reflex beyond six months is suggestive of *cerebral palsy.... asymmetric tonic neck reflex
see plantar reflex. [J. F. F. Babinski (1857–1932), French neurologist]... babinski reflex
reflex control of the heart rate. Sensory fibres in the walls of the heart are stimulated when the heart rate increases above normal. Impulses are sent to the cardiac centre in the brain, stimulating the vagus nerve and leading to slowing of the heart rate.... cardiac reflex
a reflex in which the response occurs not to the sensory stimulus that normally causes it but to a separate stimulus, which has been learnt to be associated with it. In Pavlov’s classic experiments, dogs learned to associate the sound of a bell with feeding time and would salivate at the bell’s sound whether food was then presented to them or not.... conditioned reflex
reflex blinking of both eyes normally elicited by lightly touching the cornea of one eye. This reflex is lost in deep coma, during general anaesthesia, and in death; it is therefore one of the tests used to confirm brainstem death.... corneal reflex
see antitussive.... cough suppressant
a superficial reflex in males elicited by stroking the inner side of the upper thigh with a sharp object. If the reflex is intact the scrotum on that side is pulled upwards as the cremaster muscle contracts. Absence or reduction of both cremasteric reflexes indicates an upper *motor neuron lesion; absence of the reflex on one side suggests a lower motor neuron lesion at the level of the first lumbar spinal nerve.... cremasteric reflex
see Hoffmann’s sign.... finger-flexion reflex
a reflex action of the body that develops by five to six months and never disappears. If the body is held by the waist face down and lowered, the arms and legs extend automatically.... forward parachute reflex
(pharyngeal reflex) a normal reflex action caused by contraction of pharynx muscles when the soft palate or posterior pharynx is touched. The reflex is used to test the integrity of the *glossopharyngeal and *vagus nerves.... gag reflex
a wave of peristalsis produced in the colon by introducing food into a fasting stomach.... gastrocolic reflex
the relaxation of the *ileocaecal valve caused by the presence of food in the stomach.... gastroileac reflex
involuntary grasping in response to anything that touches the palm of the hand. This is a normal reflex in babies that is lost in early childhood. In adults it is a sign of damage to the *prefrontal lobes of the brain.... grasp reflex
the normal physiological reflex to breathe out when the breath is held in inspiration and to breathe in when it is held in exhalation. [H. E. Hering (1866–1948), German physiologist; J. Breuer (1842–1925), German physician]... hering–breuer reflex
an abnormal reflex elicited by lightly placing the index finger across the chin of the patient and tapping it with a tendon hammer while the jaw hangs loosely open. A brisk upward movement of the jaw indicates an upper *motor neuron disorder above the brainstem.... jaw-jerk reflex
a reflex seen in normal babies from three months until one year, when it disappears. If the baby is held horizontally, face down, it will straighten its legs and back and try to lift up its head. The presence of this reflex beyond one year may be suggestive of a developmental disorder.... landau reflex
a cough produced by irritating the larynx.... laryngeal reflex
see pupillary reflex.... light reflex
involuntary contraction of the stapedius and/or tensor tympani muscles in the middle ear in response to various stimuli. The stapedius contracts in response to sound (see stapedial reflex). The tensor tympani is thought to contract during chewing. The sound-evoked middle ear reflex can be detected using a *tympanometer.... middle ear reflex
(startle reflex) a primitive reflex seen in newborn babies in response to the stimulus of a sudden noise or movement: the baby will fling its arms and legs wide and will appear to stiffen; the arms and legs are then drawn back into flexion. The Moro reflex should disappear spontaneously by four months. Its presence beyond this age is suggestive of an underlying neurological disorder, such as cerebral palsy. [E. Moro (1874–1951), German paediatrician]... moro reflex
a reflex action of the intestine in which a physical stimulus causes the intestine to contract above and relax below the point of stimulation.... myenteric reflex
see stretch reflex.... myotatic reflex
see gag reflex.... pharyngeal reflex
a reflex obtained by drawing a bluntly pointed object (such as a key) along the outer border of the sole of the foot from the heel to the little toe. The normal flexor response is a bunching and downward movement of the toes. An upward movement of the big toe is called an extensor response (or Babinski reflex or response). In all persons over the age of 18 months this is a sensitive indication of damage to the *pyramidal system in either the brain or spinal cord.... plantar reflex
(knee jerk) reflex contraction of the quadriceps (thigh) muscle so that the leg kicks, elicited in a patient sitting with one knee crossed over the other by sharply tapping the tendon of the muscle below the kneecap. The reflex is mediated through nerves emanating from the third and fourth lumbar spinal levels (see spinal nerves). This is a test of the connection between the sensory nerves attached to stretch receptors in the muscle, the spinal cord, and the motor neurons running from the cord to the thigh muscle, all of which are involved in the reflex. The patellar reflex is reduced or absent when there is disease or damage of the spinal cord at or below the level of the reflex and exaggerated in disorders above the level of the reflex.... patellar reflex
(light reflex) the reflex change in the size of the pupil according to the amount of light entering the eye. Bright light reaching the retina stimulates nerves of the *parasympathetic nervous system, which cause the pupil to contract. In dim light the pupil opens, due to stimulation of the *sympathetic nervous system. See also iris.... pupillary reflex
flexion of the forearm (and sometimes also of the fingers) that occurs when the lower end of the radius is tapped. It is due to contraction of the brachioradialis muscle, which is stimulated by tapping its point of insertion in the radius.... radial reflex
the red area seen through the pupil as a result of the reflection of light from the retina. It is usually seen on *fundoscopy and sometimes in photographs taken using a flashlight.... red reflex
the nervous circuit involved in a *reflex, being at its simplest a sensory nerve with a receptor, linked at a synapse in the brain or spinal cord with a motor nerve, which supplies a muscle or gland (see illustration). In a simple reflex (such as the *patellar reflex) only two neurons may be involved, but in other reflexes there may be several *interneurons in the arc.... reflex arc
see complex regional pain syndrome.... reflex sympathetic dystrophy
a primitive reflex present in newborn babies: if the cheek is stroked near the mouth, the infant will turn its head to the same side to suckle.... rooting reflex
reflex contraction of the stapedius muscle in the middle ear, attached to the *stapes bone, in response to loud sounds. This protects the cochlea from noise damage by limiting the amount of sound that is transmitted via the stapes. The reflex can be measured using a *tympanometer.... stapedial reflex
see Moro reflex.... startle reflex
the reflex maintenance of muscular tone for posture.... static reflex
a primitive reflex in newborn babies that should disappear by the age of two months. If the baby is held in a ‘walking’ position with the feet touching the ground, the feet move in a ‘stepping’ manner. Persistence of this reflex beyond two months is suggestive of *cerebral palsy.... stepping reflex
(myotatic reflex) the reflex contraction of a muscle in response to its being stretched.... stretch reflex
the closing of the eyelids when the supraorbital nerve is struck, due to contraction of the muscle surrounding the orbit (orbicularis oculi muscle).... supraorbital reflex
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