Ukhokashlevaya reflex

The ear-cough reflex (also called Hering's reflex) is a physiological mechanism that occurs when the outer wall of the auditory canal (outer ear) is irritated. This reflex is associated with nerve endings that are located on the front wall of the outer ear, and when they are irritated, it causes a number of physiological reactions such as coughing, watery eyes and an unpleasant sensation in the throat.

The ear-cough reflex plays an important role in protecting the body from infections and other irritants that may enter the outer ear. It can also be used to diagnose certain ear and throat related conditions such as acute otitis media, sinusitis and other infections.

However, if the ear-cough reflex becomes too strong or frequent, it may be a sign of certain diseases or conditions, such as allergic rhinitis or sinusitis, chronic cough, or thyroid problems. In this case, you must consult a doctor for advice and treatment.

The ear-cough reflex is one of the most common and important defense mechanisms in our body. It consists in the fact that when the mucous membrane of the ear is irritated, an intense cough impulse occurs in the nose, which helps protect the body from infections and harmful substances that penetrate through the ear canal.

At the same time, the ear-cough reflex appears very quickly (almost instantly), which allows you to react almost instantly to sudden changes in the body and protect it from possible threats. In addition to the fact that this reflex is important for our body, it can also be useful for people suffering from various diseases of the ear or nasopharynx, such as otolaryngologists. For example, this reflex is used in medical practice to check the presence of a functioning Eustachian tube in the throat or to increase the contractility of its muscle fibers. Also, it is necessary to mention that the ear-cough reflex is not isolated and is constantly used to prevent possible threats during pathological processes in the ears. In medicine, there are a number of other protective reactions, for example, automicropheresis - the release of one’s own antibodies and cellular elements into the blood, or excitability - the ability to resist the effects of toxins (including toxins of pathogens).

Overall, the ear-cough reflex is an important defense mechanism for keeping our body healthy and safe. If a cough occurs due to irritation of the ear canal, this indicates that our body is protecting itself from pathogenic microorganisms and other harmful influences. It is important to remember this reaction and learn how to use it correctly to protect health and prevent disease.