what is a reflexive cough
One such reflex is a cough. This is typically triggered when the larynx senses that something has penetrated this upper portion of the airway. The cough, then, acts as a protective mechanism, serving to cough out or expel something at risk for being inhaled. There are normal reflexive thresholds or âtriggersâ that exist in the larynx. When these thresholds are lowered (i.e., more sensitive), less stimulation is required to trigger a cough.