Cough and cold are one of the most common ailments. Cough is a sudden reflex action by the respiratory organs to clear the breathing passages that get obstructed by irritants, foreign particles, micro-organisms and secretions. When one coughs, then three actions taking place within the body. First, the lungs inhale air, then they force the air out through exhalation against a closed glottis. Thirdly, this violent release of air forces open the glottis that leads to a distinct, loud sound called cough.