title: The Fontana paradoxical reflex?
abstract: This commentary describes the "deflation cough" caused by deep lung deflations. Deflation cough is a paradoxical reflex similar to that described by Henry Head in 1889 for lung inflations that probably is mediated by the same sensors and afferent fibers in the lungs and activated by gastroesophageal reflux. We discuss how this reflex must be self-limiting, the general role of paradoxical reflexes in the body, and the possible clinical significance of deflation cough.
authors: Department of Internal Medicine, University of Florence, Italy.
authors: Federico
authors: F
authors: Lavorini
authors: Department of Internal Medicine, University of Florence, Italy. Electronic address: giovanni.fontana@unifi.it.
authors: Giovanni
authors: G
authors: Fontana
authors: Department of Internal Medicine, University of Florence, Italy.
authors: Elisa
authors: E
authors: Chellini
authors: Department of Internal Medicine, University of Florence, Italy.
authors: Chiara
authors: C
authors: Magni
authors: Department of Internal Medicine, University of Florence, Italy.
authors: Massimo
authors: M
authors: Pistolesi
authors: University of London, London, England.
authors: John
authors: J
authors: Widdicombe
mesh_terms: D003371:Cough / Q000503:physiopathology*; D006801:Humans; D012018:Reflex / Q000502:physiology*; D012143:Respiratory Physiological Phenomena