Dear James and Vocalisters:
The epiglottis closes over the vocal folds when we swallow. It is brought down into this protective position by the raising of the larynx which naturally occurs during the act of swallowing. If, by chance, we attempt to inhale as we swallow the epiglottis will be delayed in its descent and it is then possible for food to approach the vocal fold area which triggers a cough. The cough is the body's natural response to expel the offending material. We often describe this irritation/cough response as "something went down the wrong pipe."
-- Lloyd W. Hanson, DMA Professor of Voice, Pedagogy School of Performing Arts Northern Arizona University Flagstaff, AZ 86011
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