What is coughing?

The bronchial mucus membranes produce mucus. Asthmatics produce more mucus than the average individual does normally, which irritates the nerves and triggers a cough. Coughing is simply the body’s defence mechanism to ensure the flow of air does not become obstructed.

However, coughing causes the smooth muscles to contract and reduces the airway’s diameter, impairing the lung function even further. Consequently it is important to teach children conscious breathing so they will not cough themselves into an asthmatic attack.

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