Cough Flashcards
1
Q
Why do we cough?
A
- Facilitate aspirate clearance, inhaled particulate matter, secretions and irritants inhaled or formed at mucosal sites
- I.E PROTECTIVE ROLES
2
Q
Give an example of what happens when cough is impaired
A
IMPAIRED COUGH
- Greater risk of pneumonia
- Reduced frequency of people without pneumonia
3
Q
What are the 2 types of cough?
A
- VOLUNTARY - originates in cerebral cortex with intention to cough
- REFLEXIVE - caused by activation of receptors on airway sensory nerves
4
Q
What are the 3 phases of the cough? PART 1
A
- INSPIRATORY PHASE - inhalation generates volume necessary for effective cough
- COMPRESSION PHASE - close of glottis with coordinated contraction of expiratory muscles (causes rise in intrathoracic pressure)
5
Q
What are the 3 phases of the cough? PART 2
A
- EXPIRATORY PHASE - glottis opens and high expiratory airflow
6
Q
Describe the process of coughing
A
- Stimulus activates receptors on epithelium of upper airway
- Signal sent to ‘cough centre’ by afferent fibres
- Signal sent to effectors by efferent fibres
7
Q
Describe the two types of bronchopulmonary vagal afferent fibres.
A
- NOCICEPTORS - C-fibres - unmyelinated. Insensitive to mechanical stimulation. Chemosensitive. Slow conduction velocity.
- MECHANORECEPTORS - Myelinated fibres - chemoinsensitive. Fast conduction velocity. Found in proximal airway e.g trachea and mainstem
8
Q
What can stimulate nociceptors?
A
- Inflammatory mediators e.g bradykinins and irritants
9
Q
What can stimulate mechanoreceptors?
A
- Mechanical stimulation
10
Q
What nerves does the efferent pathway use to activate the larynx, diaphragm and abdominal muscles?
A
- Laryngeal (vagus), phrenic and spinal motor nerves
11
Q
What is bronchoscopy?
A
- Endoscopic technique of visualizing the inside of the airways for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes
