Doctors explain what triggers coughing and where cough receptors are found
Doctors on Latvian Radio explained that coughing results from irritation of special cough receptors located not only in the airways but also in the stomach and ears, with triggers ranging from mechanical irritants to viruses and chemicals.
Doctors speaking on a Latvian Radio programme have explained how the body's cough reflex is triggered and what factors can set it off.
Cough receptors are not only in the airways
According to the doctors, coughing begins with irritation of what are known as cough receptors. Contrary to what many might assume, these receptors are not limited to the respiratory tract — they are also found in the stomach and even in the ears. This helps explain why a cough can be triggered by a wide range of causes, not only conditions directly affecting the lungs or bronchi.
Two main types of triggers
The doctors identified two broad categories of irritation that can cause coughing. The first is mechanical irritation, which can be caused by substances such as dust or mucus (phlegm) present in the airways. The second category involves biological or chemical triggers — the receptors can be irritated by viruses or by various chemical substances the body comes into contact with.
This explanation sheds light on why coughing can occur in such varied circumstances, from colds and viral infections to exposure to dusty environments or irritating airborne substances. As the doctors' comments make clear, coughing itself functions as a protective reflex intended to clear the airways of irritants, even though the underlying cause can differ significantly from case to case.
