Coughing and throat clearing

Airways function like flexible tubes that easily collapse under pressure. During emotional turmoil (or stress), muscles surrounding the airways may constrict, making breathing and sound generation difficult. The millions of tiny exchange bubbles in the lungs may also collapse, interfering with gas exchange. Faking natural reflexes like coughing or throat clearing at such instances can inflate the airways and pop the exchange bubbles.

A viral or bacterial infection of the airways often causes spontaneous coughing. The ‘instinctive brain’ initiates this forceful expulsion to dispose of mucus, microbes, pollutants, or other unwanted secretions. People spontaneously use throat clearing to relieve a tickle in the throat, accumulated mucus, or the feeling of a clogged airway.

Some cultures use intentional throat clearing to draw attention. A quick throat-clear may also be an unconscious effort to steady the voice or buy a moment of composure before speaking. These natural reflexes affect blood gas balance and can also help release negative emotions in a subtle way.