Alternative Breathing Movements
Coughing
To clear mucus and other matter from the upper airways, air from the lungs builds up behind the closed vocal cords and is forced out through the mouth.
Sneezing
This movement is the same as for a cough, but air is forced out through the nasal cavity (instead of the mouth) to clear mucus or relieve an irritation.
Hiccupping
An irritation to the diaphragm (perhaps due to eating too quickly) makes it contract suddenly, causing air to rush into the lungs and the vocal cords to slap shut noisily.
Yawning
A deep breath taken into the lungs when you are tired, probably to “flush out” excess carbon dioxide from the blood.
