Cough

Cough

A cough ( pronunciation Latin: tussis), is a sudden and often repetitively occurring reflex which helps to clear the large breathing passages from secretions, irritants, foreign particles and microbes. The cough reflex consists of three phases: an inhalation, a forced exhalation against a closed glottis, and a violent release of air from the lungs following opening of the glottis, usually accompanied by a distinctive sound. Coughing can happen voluntarily as well as involuntarily.

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Famous quotes containing the word cough:

    Despite my asbestos gloves,
    the cough is filling me with black,
    and a red powder seeps through my veins....
    Anne Sexton (1928–1974)

    The whole LSD, STP, marijuana, heroin, hashish, prescription cough medicine crowd suffers from the “Watchtower” itch: you gotta be with us, man, or you’re out, you’re dead. This pitch is a continual and seeming MUST with those who use the stuff. It’s no wonder they keep getting busted.
    Charles Bukowski (b. 1920)

    All, men my madmen, the unwholesome wind
    With whistler’s cough contages, time on track
    Shapes in a cinder death; love for his trick,
    Happy Cadaver’s hunger as you take
    The kissproof world.
    Dylan Thomas (1914–1953)