Why does coughing sometimes make you gag or even feel like you have to throw up?
Coughing is a reflex action that helps to clear the throat and lungs of irritants. It is usually triggered by something that irritates the mucous membranes in the throat or lungs, such as smoke, dust, or pollen. However, coughing can also be triggered by other factors, such as a cold or flu virus, or even by certain medications.
In some cases, coughing can cause a person to gag or even feel like they have to throw up. This is because the diaphragm, which is the muscle that separates the chest cavity from the abdominal cavity, contracts during a cough. This contraction can put pressure on the stomach, which can cause the contents of the stomach to move up into the esophagus. If the contents of the stomach reach the back of the throat, it can trigger the gag reflex.
The gag reflex is a protective mechanism that helps to prevent choking. It is triggered by the presence of something in the back of the throat. When the gag reflex is triggered, the muscles in the throat contract and the epiglottis, which is a flap of cartilage that covers the larynx, closes. This prevents food or other objects from entering the larynx and trachea.
If you are coughing and feel like you are going to gag or throw up, it is important to try to control the cough. You can do this by taking deep breaths and coughing gently. You can also try to drink some water or suck on a hard candy. If you are unable to control the cough, you should see a doctor.
Related Questions
- What are the different causes of coughing?
- How can I stop coughing?
- What is the gag reflex?
- Why do I feel like I am going to throw up when I cough?
- When should I see a doctor for a cough?
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