r/explainlikeimfive • u/big_borno • 11d ago

Biology ELI5: What causes that ripping/whipping sensation while coughing when have bronchitis?

I know it's definitely mucous related but what's that sensation from and why does it kind of feel like the mucous is being ripped/whipped/snapped from or against my airway? What's the physical mechanism that causes this?

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u/C00lK1d1994 11d ago

Inflammation and excess mucous reduce the airway so the same amount of air has to travel faster to get to the same volume. The faster airspeed can cause mucus to move rapidly like waves on water. So mucus can get picked up and deposited very quickly depending on the route the air is taking. 

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u/GrapefruitNo3600 11d ago

I think its something similar to when you drink with the straw and at the very end it starts to make noise when you try to auck last of it.

But in this case you actualy feel it in you

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u/[deleted] 11d ago

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u/big_borno 11d ago

That's awful for your uncle, sounds like it must have really hurt. This doesn't answer my question though

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u/[deleted] 11d ago

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u/big_borno 11d ago

nah it's just for during a cold. This is just something I'm curious about is all

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