An Analysis of Cough at The Level of the Larynx

Abstract

EVERY LAYMAN knows about cough, because he has experienced its distress. Every physician knows about cough, because he realizes its value for the protection and preservation of the lower respiratory passages. Only the scientist confesses ignorance, for he finds few precise experimental data about cough, particularly regarding its effect upon the laryngeal structures. The sound of a is characteristic and cannot be confused with speaking, singing, laughing, or other vocal manifestations. It seems reasonable to assume, therefore, that is associated with a specific pattern of vocal cord vibration and laryngeal behavior. However, these events transpire at such speeds that they cannot be visualized or measured with the usual diagnostic equipment of the clinician. As a result of his careful observations on human subjects and animals Negus 7 reached the conclusion that cough in the human race ... depends on closure of the ventricular bands, with raising of intrapulmonary pressure