Physical why cough

As to why they ask you to cough, this creates internal pressure in your abdomen. So if some of your intestines or other soft tissue is protruding through your abdominal wall into your scrotum or if there is an opening that tissue may exploit momentarily when pressure is added, coughing will help the doctor observe these things. Once found, it used to be common for doctors to immediately recommend that the inguinal hernia be fixed via surgery, in order to avoid potentially life threatening complications, such as if the intestines become strangled, cutting off blood supply and potentially resulting in gangrenous tissue or an infection.

If you liked this article and the Bonus Facts below, you might also like:. I had an Inguinal Hernia for eight years, and it was pretty bad. Another on your feet all day affair. Then in February of I picked up a boom sprayer about 25lbs and blew it completely out. I worked another 5 hours and then had my wife come pick me up.

Everybody thinks you turn your head purely for sanitary reasons but there is another reason. If you look down it somehow affects the test. Differentiating Cough from other Diseases.

Epidemiology and Demographics. Natural History, Complications and Prognosis. Diagnostic Study of Choice. History and Symptoms. Laboratory Findings. Echocardiography or Ultrasound. Other Imaging Findings. Other Diagnostic Studies.

Primary Prevention. Secondary Prevention. Cost-Effectiveness of Therapy. Future or Investigational Therapies. Most recent articles. Most cited articles. Review articles. CME Programs. Powerpoint slides. Ongoing Trials at Clinical Trials. US National Guidelines Clearinghouse. NICE Guidance. FDA on Cough physical examination. In order for a cough to occur, several events need to take place in sequence. First, the vocal cords open widely, allowing additional air to pass through into the lungs.

Then the epiglottis closes off the windpipe larynx , and simultaneously, the abdominal and rib muscles contract, increasing the pressure behind the epiglottis. With the increased pressure, the air is forcefully expelled, and creates a rushing sound as it moves very quickly past the vocal cords. The rushing air dislodges the irritant, making it possible to breathe comfortably again. Some coughs are dry. Others are productive.

A productive cough is one that brings up mucus. Mucus is also called phlegm or sputum. If you have asthma or another chronic lung disease, make sure you are taking medicines prescribed by your health care provider. If you have allergies year-round, cover your pillows and mattress with dust mite covers, use an air purifier, and avoid pets with fur and other triggers. The provider will perform a physical exam. You will be asked about your cough. Questions may include:.