coughing

A reflex to clear the windpipe, usually caused by respiratory infections or diseases. Differs from sneezing in that it usually repeats many times and aims to clear the windpipe of fluid and blockages rather than "to scratch an itch."

See also

• asphyxiation
• asthma
• choking on object
• drowning
• hiccup
• strangling
• sneezing

The following tags are aliased to this tag: cough (learn more).