Cough Reflex

Chemical (e.g., capsaicin) and mechanical (e.g., particulates in air pollution) stimuli leads to  Stimulation of sensory nerve endings (rapidly adapting receptors and C fibers) .

 Sensory signals  travel via the vagus and superior laryngeal nerves to brainstem in the nucleus tractus solitarius (cough center) and inputs from cortex 

 The vocal cords adduct, leading to transient upper-airway occlusion. Expiratory muscles contract,
generating positive intrathoracic pressures as high as 300 mmHg leading to cough.

Reference: Harrisons