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[Cough. Pathophysiology and pulmonary function testing--paediatric aspects (author's transl)]
Klinische Padiatrie
|May 1, 1980
Insights
The lung
Area of Science:
- Pulmonary physiology
- Respiratory system mechanics
Context:
- The cough reflex is a vital airway clearance mechanism.
- Normal cough function develops late in gestation.
Purpose:
- To describe the physiological mechanisms of the cough reflex.
- To highlight the developmental timeline of cough reflexes.
- To introduce flow-volume curves as a diagnostic tool.
Summary:
- Coughing involves glossopharyngeal and vagal nerve stimulation, leading to glottic closure and increased intrathoracic pressure.
- This pressure is rapidly released, expelling air to clear the lungs.
- Mature cough mechanisms are established around the 35th gestational week.
Impact:
- Understanding cough physiology aids in diagnosing respiratory conditions.
- Flow-volume curves offer a non-invasive method for assessing lung function and cough effectiveness.
Abstract:
Cough is among the most effective clearance mechanisms of the lung. After glossopharyngeal and vagal stimulation glottic closure, leading to increased intrathoracic pressure, is followed by rapid expulsion of air. Normal cough mechanisms appear only after the 35th gestational week. Flow-volume curves may be used for diagnostic purposes.