Respiratory Retraining of Refractory Cough and Laryngopharyngeal Reflux in Patients With Paradoxical Vocal Fold Movement Disorder

Expiratory Muscle Strength Treatment for Refractory Chronic Cough: A Short-term Single Exercise Program

OBJECTIVES

Patients with chronic cough are some of the most challenging to treat. This preliminary study is the first to examine the effects of a single exercise muscle strength training program to reduce cough severity in patients who failed other treatments.

METHODS

A total of 19 females were included in this study, ranging from age 24 to 80. The maximum phonation time (MPT), laryngeal airway resistance (LAR), maximum inspiratory pressure (MIP) and maximum expiratory pressure (MEP), Voice Handicap Index-10, (VHI-10) and the Cough Severity Index (CSI) values were obtained pre- and post-treatment. ANOVA two-factor without replication was used to compare values pre- and post-treatment.

RESULTS

MIP (Mean of 62.00 to a mean of 78.53) and MEP (Mean of 90.00 to a mean of 112.16) showed significant increase post-treatment. In addition, LAR (Mean of 73.30 to a mean of 60.67) and CSI (Mean of 19.37 to a mean of 15.00) significantly decreased post-treatment. General changes in pre- and post-treatment values were identified with MPT (Mean of 14.89 to a mean of 16.17) and VHI-10 (Mean of 8.00 to a mean of 6.76). A follow-up questionnaire indicated that the majority of patients felt their cough was better after 4 weeks.

CONCLUSIONS

Muscle strength training provides a tool to aid in the control of cough for patients who are refractory to medical and other behavioral treatments. Improvement in cough may be associated with a reduction in subglottic pressure and increased air flow resulting in lower laryngeal airway resistance.

A Non-Pharmacological Cough Therapy for People with Interstitial Lung Diseases: A Case Report

Purpose

To explore the feasibility of a non-pharmacological cough control therapy (CCT) customized for a client with interstitial lung disease (ILD).

Client Description

An 83-year-old female with hypersensitivity pneumonitis, and chronic cough for 18 years treated previously with pharmacological treatment for the underlying lung disease and gastroesophageal reflux disease, as well as lozenges and breathing and relaxation strategies.

Intervention

Four cough education and self-management sessions (45-60 minutes each) facilitated by a physiotherapist and speech-language pathologist via videoconference were conducted. Session topics included mechanisms of cough in ILD, breathing and larynx role in cough control, trigger identification, cough suppression and control strategies, and psychosocial support towards behaviour change using motivational interviewing.

Measures and Outcome

The following assessments were conducted prior to and one week after the intervention: semi-structured interviews, Leicester Cough Questionnaire, King's Brief Interstitial Lung Disease questionnaire, Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy Fatigue Scale, modified Borg Scale for severity and intensity of cough, and the Global Rating of Change Questionnaire.

Implications

Implementing the CCT was feasible. The client reported increased perceived cough control, a reduction in exhaustion from coughing bouts, and a better understanding of the mechanisms behind cough management and suppression. Improvements were also observed in cough-related quality of life, severity, and intensity.

Management of non-pharmacologic therapy for chronic refractory cough: Mechanism, composition, applicable population, and assessment

Chronic cough is common in the clinic and can seriously affect the quality of life of patients. Following the existing guidelines for treatment, refractory chronic cough is defined as a clinical condition in which the cause of the cough remains unclear after comprehensive examination and treatment, or the cause is clear but symptomatic treatment is ineffective. It has been found that non-pharmacologic therapy can effectively improve the quality of life and reduce the frequency of coughing for some patients with refractory chronic cough. Compared with pharmacological therapy, non-pharmacologic therapy has no obvious adverse effects; therefore, non-pharmacologic therapy has good application prospects in the diagnosis and treatment of refractory chronic cough. This paper summarizes the composition, indication, action and mechanism of non-pharmacologic therapy in the diagnosis and treatment of refractory chronic cough and prospects for research on non-pharmacologic therapy.

Diagnosis of vocal cord dysfunction/inducible laryngeal obstruction: An International Delphi Consensus Study

BACKGROUND

Vocal cord dysfunction/inducible laryngeal obstruction (VCD/ILO) is characterized by breathing difficulties in association with excessive supraglottic or glottic laryngeal narrowing. The condition is common and can occur independently; however, it may also be comorbid with other disorders or mimic them. Presentations span multiple specialties and misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis is commonplace. Group-consensus methods can efficiently generate internationally accepted diagnostic criteria and descriptions to increase clinical recognition, enhance clinical service availability, and catalyze research.

OBJECTIVES

We sought to establish consensus-based diagnostic criteria and methods for VCD/ILO.

METHODS

We performed a modified 2-round Delphi study between December 7, 2021, and March 14, 2022. The study was registered at ANZCTR (Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry; ACTRN12621001520820p). In round 1, experts provided open-ended statements that were categorized, deduplicated, and amended for clarity. These were presented to experts for agreement ranking in round 2, with consensus defined as ≥70% agreement.

RESULTS

Both rounds were completed by 47 international experts. In round 1, 1102 qualitative responses were received. Of the 200 statements presented to experts across 2 rounds, 130 (65%) reached consensus. Results were discussed at 2 international subject-specific conferences in June 2022. Experts agreed on a diagnostic definition for VCD/ILO and endorsed the concept of VCD/ILO phenotypes and clinical descriptions. The panel agreed that laryngoscopy with provocation is the gold standard for diagnosis and that ≥50% laryngeal closure on inspiration or Maat grade ≥2 define abnormal laryngeal closure indicative of VCD/ILO.

CONCLUSIONS

This Delphi study reached consensus on multiple aspects of VCD/ILO diagnosis and can inform clinical practice and facilitate research.

Examining the Influence of Chemosensation on Laryngeal Health and Disorders

Inhaled airborne stimuli are associated with laryngeal disorders affecting respiration. Clinically, several themes emerged from the literature that point to specific gaps in the understanding and management of these disorders. There is wide variation in the types of airborne stimuli that trigger symptoms, lack of standardization in provocation challenge testing using airborne stimuli, and vague reporting of laryngeal symptoms. Scientifically, evidence exists outside the field of voice science that could prove useful to implement among patients with impaired laryngeal-respiration. To expand this area of expertise, here we provide a thematic overview of relevant evidence and methodological tools from the discipline of chemosensory sciences. This review provides distinctions across the three chemosensory systems of olfaction, trigeminal chemesthesis, and gustation, guidance on selecting and delivering common chemosensory stimuli for clinical testing, and methods of quantifying sensory experiences using principles of human psychophysics. Investigating the science of chemosensation reveals that laryngeal responses to inhaled airborne stimuli have explanations involving physiological mechanisms as well as higher cognitive processing. Fortunately, these findings are consistent with current pharmacological and nonpharmacological interventions for impaired laryngeal-respiration. Based on the close relationships among inhaled airborne stimuli, respiration, and laryngeal function, we propose that new perspectives from chemosensory sciences offer opportunities to improve patient care and target areas of future research.

Standardized Behavioral Treatment Improves Chronic Cough

OBJECTIVES

Neurogenic Laryngeal Hypersensitivity (NLH) refers to a constellation of upper airway symptoms thought to be caused by a disturbance in afferent and/or efferent neural pathways creating an exaggerated hypersensitive laryngeal response. There is evidence to support behavioral therapy as treatment for improving symptoms from laryngeal motor dysfunction to sensory disturbance. This study aims to determine if there is significant symptomatic improvement in patients with NLH who received non-pharmacologic behavioral treatment performed by trained SLPs.

STUDY DESIGN

A retrospective review.

METHODS

A review of all patients with NLH from 2017 to 2020 was performed at a tertiary care voice and swallowing center. Subjects with persistent symptoms despite maximal medical management were considered for inclusion. Newcastle Laryngeal Hypersensitivity Questionnaire (NLHQ) was completed by patients before and after undergoing therapy by one of three trained SLPs. Posttherapy improvement was determined by utilizing the NLHQ's minimal clinically important difference of 1.7 points.

RESULTS

A total of 81 patients were included in this study. Study participants included 61 women and 20 men with an average age of 60.64±14.05 years. There was a statistically significant difference between the pre and post therapy scores amongst all patients when treated by each individual SLP and all three SLPs combined (P < 0.008). There was a clinically significant change in 66% of all patients, 76% of which presented with abnormal NLHQ scores, and 14% who presented with normal NLHQ scores.

CONCLUSIONS

A standardized behavioral treatment protocol for patients with symptoms consistent with NLH is effective in improving symptoms in a large majority of patients. When following a standardized protocol SLPs can obtain similar results for their patients.

Factors impacting therapy duration in children and adolescents with Paradoxical Vocal Fold Movement (PVFM)

PURPOSE

Paradoxical Vocal Fold Movement (PVFM) may cause airway restriction and resulting dyspnea in the pediatric population. Therapy with a speech-language pathologist (SLP) is the primary treatment for children and adolescents diagnosed with Paradoxical Vocal Fold Movement (PVFM). This study examined treatment duration and factors predicting number of therapy sessions required.

METHODS

Data were drawn from the University of Wisconsin-Madison Voice and Swallow Clinics Outcome Database. One hundred and twelve children and adolescents were included in this study. Participants were diagnosed with PVFM, followed for therapy with a SLP, and were subsequently discharged from therapy with successful outcomes. Extracted data included number of therapy sessions, PVFM symptoms, patient demographics, medical history, and comorbid diagnoses. Regression was used to determine factors predicting therapy duration.

RESULTS

Patients completed an average of 3.4 therapy sessions before discharge. Comorbid behavioral health diagnosis (β = 1.96, t = 3.83, p < .01) and a history of upper airway surgeries (β = 1.26, t = 2.615, p = .01) were significant predictors of the number of therapy sessions required before discharge; both factors significantly increased therapy duration. Age, symptom trigger-type, reflux symptoms, and dysphonia did not predict therapy duration. Overall, our regression model accounted for 42% of the variance in number of sessions required (r² = 0.42).

CONCLUSIONS

On average, 3.4 sessions of therapy with an SLP resolved PVFM symptoms. Children with a behavioral health diagnosis required an average of 5.45 sessions and those with a history of upper airway surgery an average of 4.3 sessions. Future work should examine the relationship between behavioral health care and PVFM treatment, as well as how PVFM treatment efficiency can be maximized.

A case of vocal cord dysfunction in the emergency department

We describe the case of a 78-year-old woman admitted to our emergency department for an acute onset of severe dyspnoea with inspiratory wheezing-like sounds. She denied fever, cough, voice change and pain. She referred a similar but less severe episode occurred spontaneously one year before, with complete resolution in few minutes without sequelae. On examination upper airway obstruction was firstly excluded. She was initially treated as having asthma, without response. Parenteral high dose corticosteroids and antihistamines provided no benefit. Point-of-care-ultrasound resulted normal. Flexible laryngoscopy during the episode showed paradoxical vocal cord movement with adduction during both inspiration and expiration. This demonstrated that her dyspnoea was from Vocal Cord Dysfunction (VCD). VCD completely solved after administration of intravenous benzodiazepines.

The Effect of Upper Airway Ailments on Teachers' Experience of Vocal Fatigue

BACKGROUND

Teachers have been found to have a higher than normal risk to develop voice disorders. One common symptom of voice problems among teachers is the report and occurrence of vocal fatigue, often associated with different individual, physical, environmental, and professional factors.

AIM

The aim of this study was to provide insight into the potential effect of sinus infections, laryngitis, colds, seasonal allergies, and reflux on reported vocal fatigue, as quantified by the Vocal Fatigue Index (VFI).

METHOD

An exploratory cross-sectional design was implemented via an online survey sent by email to teachers of kindergarten through 12th-grade in 31 states throughout the USA.

RESULT

The main result of this study was that teachers with self-reported reflux and seasonal allergies had statistically significant higher scores on VFI Factor 1 (performance), VFI Factor 2 (pain), and VFI Factor 3 (recovery) when compared to those without self-reported reflux and seasonal allergies.

CONCLUSIONS

It may be likely that an individuals' change in reported vocal fatigue over time may be also associated with health-related factors, such as reflux and seasonal allergies rather than just changes in voice production. These associated factors should be considered and potentially controlled for in future research and clinical practice surrounding teachers' experience of vocal fatigue.

Effects of Cough Suppression Therapy on Voice Disorder Severity

OBJECTIVES//HYPOTHESIS

To determine changes in voice severity when treating chronic cough refractory to medical treatment with cough suppression therapy (CST) in patients with chronic cough and voice complaints. Chronic cough has been reported to be refractory to medical treatment and frequently co-occurs with voice disorders. The possible effects of CST on self-assessed changes in chronic cough and voice disorders have not been demonstrated.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective analysis of the effects of cough suppression therapy (CST) on self-assessed changes in chronic cough and voice disorder severity in patients with both chronic cough and voice disorders.

METHODS

Forty-three adult patients with the primary complaint of chronic refractory cough underwent pre- and post-treatment diagnostic examinations, completed pre- and post-treatment Voice Handicap Index-10 (VHI-10) and Cough Severity Index assessments, and were treated by a licensed speech-language pathologist using CST. Twenty-seven subjects were assigned to the cough (C) group and 16 to the cough-voice (CV) group based on the severity of their VHI-10 scores.

RESULTS

Post-test analysis showed significant improvement in cough severity for both groups and significant improvement in voice severity for the CV group. The VHI-10 scores for the C group did not change significantly. The median number of treatment sessions was 3, with a range of 1-13 sessions. Correlation between changes in severity and number of treatment sessions was not found to be significant at the tested level.

CONCLUSIONS

CST represents a unifying approach for treatment of patients with CRC and comorbid voice disorders. CST offered cross-over effects to the voice when subjects were treated for their primary complaint of chronic cough. This treatment of the primary complaint improves function in systems that share a common pathway.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

IV Laryngoscope, 2021.

Sensory Innervation of the Larynx and the Search for Mucosal Mechanoreceptors

Purpose The larynx is a uniquely situated organ, juxtaposed between the gastrointestinal and respiratory tracts, and endures considerable immunological challenges while providing reflexogenic responses via putative mucosal mechanoreceptor afferents. Laryngeal afferents mediate precise monitoring of sensory events by relay to the internal branch of the superior laryngeal nerve (iSLN). Exposure to a variety of stimuli (e.g., mechanical, chemical, thermal) at the mucosa-airway interface has likely evolved a diverse array of specialized sensory afferents for rapid laryngeal control. Accordingly, mucosal mechanoreceptors in demarcated laryngeal territories have been hypothesized as primary sources of sensory input. The purpose of this article is to provide a tutorial on current evidence for laryngeal afferent receptors in mucosa, the role of mechano-gated ion channels within airway epithelia and mechanisms for mechanoreceptors implicated in laryngeal health and disease. Method An overview was conducted on the distribution and identity of iSLN-mediated afferent receptors in the larynx, with specific focus on mechanoreceptors and their functional roles in airway mucosa. Results/Conclusions Laryngeal somatosensation at the cell and molecular level is still largely unexplored. This tutorial consolidates various animal and human researches, with translational emphasis provided for the importance of mucosal mechanoreceptors to normal and abnormal laryngeal function. Information presented in this tutorial has relevance to both clinical and research arenas. Improved understanding of iSLN innervation and corresponding mechanotransduction events will help shed light upon a variety of pathological reflex responses, including persistent cough, dysphonia, and laryngospasm.

Alternatives to Acid Suppression Treatment for Laryngopharyngeal Reflux

OBJECTIVE

Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) and associated symptoms can be refractory to treatment with acid suppressing medication. We investigated the role and evidence for complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) for LPR in this systematic review.

REVIEW METHODS

Complementary and alternative treatment was defined in this systematic review as any non-acid suppressing medication, treatment, or therapy. A literature search was performed by two authors in consultation with a medical librarian using controlled vocabulary for "complementary and alternative medicine" and "laryngopharyngeal reflux" in the databases PubMed and EMBASE, with supplemental searches with Google Scholar.

RESULTS

Twenty articles were included in this review for the modalities: alginate, diet modification, prokinetics, respiratory retraining, voice therapy, rikkunshito (RKT), hypnotherapy, and sleep positioning. The studies were analyzed for bias based on the Cochrane criteria for RCTs and Methodological Index for non-RCT (MINORS) criteria for all other studies. For each modality a level of evidence was assigned to the current body of evidence using the GRADE approach.

CONCLUSION

There is mixed evidence with a high degree of bias and heterogeneity between studies for the modalities presented in the paper. Based on this review, an anti-reflux diet is recommended for all patients and there is some low-quality evidence to support alkaline water. For patients with predominant vocal symptoms there is evidence that supports voice therapy. There is insufficient evidence to recommend prokinetics at this time. For patients with predominant globus symptoms, alginate, RKT, and relaxation strategies may be used in conjunction with acid suppressing medications for symptom relief.

Chronic cough in Vocal Cord Dysfunction: Description of a clinical entity

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Vocal Cord Dysfunction (VCD) and chronic cough (CC) are challenging conditions which lead to significant quality of life impairment. The underlying mechanisms are poorly understood, but laryngeal dysfunction may be common to both conditions. The aim of this study was to determine the characteristics of cough in VCD and whether patients with cough have coexisting VCD.

METHOD

Participants included 51 patients with VCD and a comparison group of 39 patients with chronic cough that was refractory to medical treatment. Participants underwent a comprehensive assessment including questionnaires, laryngoscopy, cough frequency monitoring and voice testing.

RESULTS

Patients with VCD had significant cough morbidity with an increased cough frequency of 17.3 coughs/hour and reduced cough quality of life with mean Leicester Cough Questionnaire Score of 12.8. Breathing pattern abnormalities were also common in VCD and there was a strong correlation between the number of breathing pattern abnormalities and cough frequency (r = -0.827, p = 0.002). Cough measures were not significantly different between patients with VCD and those with CC. Moderate-severe PVFM was present in 69% of patients with CC. Abnormal vocal fold closure during phonation was also present in patients with chronic cough and was similar between the VCD (n = 40, 78.4%) and cough (n = 25, 64.1%) groups, p = 0.240.

CONCLUSION

Cough is an important symptom in VCD. Patients presenting with chronic cough may have underlying VCD as a cause of their cough. Since cough and VCD symptoms co-occur clinicians need to consider cough when are treating VCD and VCD when treating chronic cough.

Buteyko Breathing Technique for Exertion-Induced Paradoxical Vocal Fold Motion (EI-PVFM)

PURPOSE

The primary purpose of the current study was to determine the usefulness of Buteyko breathing technique (BBT) in reducing dyspnea in patients with one form of Paradoxical Vocal Fold Motion (PVFM), exertion-induced PVFM (EI-PVFM), concomitant with hyperventilation. The secondary purpose was to determine whether BBT had an effect on physiological markers of hyperventilation, as speculated by BBT theory: respiratory tidal minute volume (RTMV), end-tidal carbon dioxide (ETCO₂), and resting heart rate (HR).

METHODS

Using a within-subjects, repeated measures group design, 12 participants with EI-PVFM and hyperventilation underwent 12 weeks of BBT, following an initial no-treatment control condition. Outcome measures of PVFM-dyspnea frequency and severity-and of hyperventilation-HR, RTMV, and ETCO₂-were acquired pre- and post-treatment.

RESULTS

Results showed post-treatment decreases in dyspnea severity, HR, and RTMV, as well as increases in ETCO₂. Decreases in dyspnea and RTMV measures remained after correction for alpha inflation.

CONCLUSIONS

Findings suggest BBT may be useful for some individuals with EI-PVFM and hyperventilation. The high prevalence of hyperventilation in EI-PVFM found in the current study warrants further investigation.

Speech and language therapy for management of chronic cough

BACKGROUND

Cough both protects and clears the airway. Cough has three phases: breathing in (inspiration), closure of the glottis, and a forced expiratory effort. Chronic cough has a negative, far-reaching impact on quality of life. Few effective medical treatments for individuals with unexplained (idiopathic/refractory) chronic cough (UCC) are known. For this group, current guidelines advocate the use of gabapentin. Speech and language therapy (SLT) has been considered as a non-pharmacological option for managing UCC without the risks and side effects associated with pharmacological agents, and this review considers the evidence from randomised controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating the effectiveness of SLT in this context.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the effectiveness of speech and language therapy for treatment of people with unexplained (idiopathic/refractory) chronic cough.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the Cochrane Airways Trials Register, CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, trials registries, and reference lists of included studies. Our most recent search was 8 February 2019.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included RCTs in which participants had a diagnosis of UCC having undergone a full diagnostic workup to exclude an underlying cause, as per published guidelines or local protocols, and where the intervention included speech and language therapy techniques for UCC.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two review authors independently screened the titles and abstracts of 94 records. Two clinical trials, represented in 10 study reports, met our predefined inclusion criteria. Two review authors independently assessed risk of bias for each study and extracted outcome data. We analysed dichotomous data as odds ratios (ORs), and continuous data as mean differences (MDs) or geometric mean differences. We used standard methods recommended by Cochrane. Our primary outcomes were health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and serious adverse events (SAEs).

MAIN RESULTS

We found two studies involving 162 adults that met our inclusion criteria. Neither of the two studies included children. The duration of treatment and length of sessions varied between studies from four sessions delivered weekly, to four sessions over two months. Similarly, length of sessions varied slightly from one 60-minute session and three 45-minute sessions to four 30-minute sessions. The control interventions were healthy lifestyle advice in both studies.One study contributed HRQoL data, using the Leicester Cough Questionnaire (LCQ), and we judged the quality of the evidence to be low using the GRADE approach. Data were reported as between-group difference from baseline to four weeks (MD 1.53, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.21 to 2.85; participants = 71), revealing a statistically significant benefit for people receiving a physiotherapy and speech and language therapy intervention (PSALTI) versus control. However, the difference between PSALTI and control was not observed between week four and three months. The same study provided information on SAEs, and there were no SAEs in either the PSALTI or control arms. Using the GRADE approach we judged the quality of evidence for this outcome to be low.Data were also available for our prespecified secondary outcomes. In each case data were provided by only one study, therefore there were no opportunities for aggregation; we judged the quality of this evidence to be low for each outcome. A significant difference favouring therapy was demonstrated for: objective cough counts (ratio for mean coughs per hour on treatment was 59% (95% CI 37% to 95%) relative to control; participants = 71); symptom score (MD 9.80, 95% CI 4.50 to 15.10; participants = 87); and clinical improvement as defined by trialists (OR 48.13, 95% CI 13.53 to 171.25; participants = 87). There was no significant difference between therapy and control regarding subjective measures of cough (MD on visual analogue scale of cough severity: -9.72, 95% CI -20.80 to 1.36; participants = 71) and cough reflex sensitivity (capsaicin concentration to induce five coughs: 1.11 (95% CI 0.80 to 1.54; participants = 49) times higher on treatment than on control). One study reported data on adverse events, and there were no adverse events reported in either the therapy or control arms of the study.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

The paucity of data in this review highlights the need for more controlled trial data examining the efficacy of SLT interventions in the management of UCC. Although a large number of studies were found in the initial search as per protocol, we could include only two studies in the review. In addition, this review highlights that endpoints vary between published studies.The improvements in HRQoL (LCQ) and reduction in 24-hour cough frequency seen with the PSALTI intervention were statistically significant but short-lived, with the between-group difference lasting up to four weeks only. Further studies are required to replicate these findings and to investigate the effects of SLT interventions over time. It is clear that SLT interventions vary between studies. Further research is needed to understand which aspects of SLT interventions are most effective in reducing cough (both objective cough frequency and subjective measures of cough) and improving HRQoL. We consider these endpoints to be clinically important. It is also important for future studies to report information on adverse events.Because of the paucity of data, we can draw no robust conclusions regarding the efficacy of SLT interventions for improving outcomes in unexplained chronic cough. Our review identifies the need for further high-quality research, with comparable endpoints to inform robust conclusions.

Managing comorbid conditions in severe asthma

Asthma care has increasingly focused on personalised management for severe asthma, and recognition of the role and importance of comorbid conditions has increased. Severe asthma can be crippling; associated comorbid conditions often play a key role in the significant disease morbidity and frequently contribute to a severe and difficult-to-treat asthma phenotype. Comorbid conditions can be broadly grouped as being either airway-related or airway-unrelated. Airway-related comorbid conditions with the greatest impact are allergic rhinitis, chronic rhinosinusitis, vocal cord dysfunction, lung fungal sensitisation and underlying structural lung disease. The most important airway-unrelated comorbid conditions are obesity, obstructive sleep apnoea, gastro-oesophageal reflux disease and anxiety and depression. A diagnostic and management algorithm for comorbid conditions in severe asthma is outlined. It concentrates initially on the group with common comorbid conditions that can be managed in primary care. If asthma remains troublesome, emphasis can shift to identifying uncommon and more complex factors. The algorithm allows for personalised diagnostic and management pathways to be implemented. Personalised diagnosis and management of comorbid conditions are essential to achieving effective and improved outcomes for patients with severe asthma.

An Update on Speech Pathology Management of Chronic Refractory Cough

Chronic cough is a common, debilitating condition that can persist for years with little relief from medical treatment. Speech pathology treatment is an effective treatment option for patients with chronic cough. This review outlines current speech pathology assessment and treatment for chronic cough and describes the evidence supporting the intervention. The rationale for speech pathology intervention is described with reference to speech pathology training and expertise that are relevant for this condition. Despite the efficacy and advantages of speech pathology intervention, there is limited guidance in the literature on when patients should be referred for treatment. Patients suitable for speech pathology intervention are those whose cough has persisted despite medical management. Speech pathology intervention may be particularly beneficial for patients with coexisting laryngeal disorders such as muscle tension dysphonia or inducible laryngeal obstruction. Limited information is available regarding current speech pathology training, practice, and service delivery for chronic cough internationally. Timely referral for speech pathology intervention could reduce the disease burden for individuals with chronic cough and decrease the economic burden of this complex condition.

Spirometry and provocation tests for vocal fold dysfunction diagnosis: a retrospective case series

AIMS Vocal cord dysfunction (VCD) is characterised by paradoxical inspiratory laryngeal motion and is often misdiagnosed as asthma. Definitive diagnosis of VCD is difficult, because laryngoscopy is positive only during symptomatic episodes or upon provocation with exercise or inhaled irritants. The aims of the study were to better characterise the symptomatology of patients with VCD and to evaluate the potential usefulness of less-invasive diagnostic tools, namely provocation tests and spirometry. METHODS Retrospective case series of 84 patients with a typical clinical history of VCD, in whom at least one of the three following diagnostic tests were performed: laryngoscopy, provocation testing, or spirometry. RESULTS The mean age of the patients was 51 years and 74% were women. The principal comorbidities were rhinosinusitis (60%), gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (56%) and atopy (54%). Diagnosis of VCD was confirmed in 73/84 cases (87%), by laryngoscopy (8%), spirometry (84%) and/or provocation tests (68%). CONCLUSIONS VCD remains an underdiagnosed condition. A negative finding on laryngoscopy can lead to false negative diagnosis if it is done when the patient is asymptomatic. Here we show that a clinical suspicion of VCD, evoked by medical history, can be confirmed in many cases by less invasive diagnostic tools such as spirometry and provocation tests. Future well-conducted prospective case-control studies are needed to draw firmer conclusions and to improve the diagnostic accuracy of this condition.

Vocal Cord Dysfunction: Analysis of 27 Cases and Updated Review of Pathophysiology & Management

Introduction  Vocal cord dysfunction is characterized by unintentional paradoxical vocal cord movement resulting in abnormal inappropriate adduction, especially during inspiration; this predominantly manifests as unresponsive asthma or unexplained stridor. It is prudent to be well informed about the condition, since the primary presentation may mask other airway disorders.

Objective  This descriptive study was intended to analyze presentations of vocal cord dysfunction in a tertiary care referral hospital. The current understanding regarding the pathophysiology and management of the condition were also explored.

Methods  A total of 27 patients diagnosed with vocal cord dysfunction were analyzed based on demographic characteristics, presentations, associations and examination findings. The mechanism of causation, etiological factors implicated, diagnostic considerations and treatment options were evaluated by analysis of the current literature.

Results  There was a strong female predilection noted among the study population ( n  = 27), which had a mean age of 31. The most common presentations were stridor (44%) and refractory asthma (41%). Laryngopharyngeal reflux disease was the most common association in the majority (66%) of the patients, with a strong overlay of anxiety, demonstrable in 48% of the patients.

Conclusion  Being aware of the condition is key to avoid misdiagnosis in vocal cord dysfunction. Fiberoptic laryngoscopy is the diagnostic gold standard to demonstrate paradoxical vocal cord adduction during an attack. A multidisciplinary approach should be adapted for the management, which should be specific and tailored for individual patients.

Laryngeal Dysfunction: Assessment and Management for the Clinician

The larynx is one of the most highly innervated organs in humans and serves a number of vitally important, complex, and highly evolved biological functions. On a day-to-day basis, the larynx functions autonomously, addressing several roles including airway protection, swallowing, and phonation. In some situations the larynx appears to adopt a functional state that could be considered maladaptive or "dysfunctional." This laryngeal dysfunction can underpin and account for a number of respiratory symptoms that otherwise appear incongruous with a clinical disease state and/or contribute to the development of symptoms that appear "refractory" to treatment. These include conditions associated with a heightened tendency for inappropriate laryngeal closure (e.g., inducible laryngeal obstruction), voice disturbance, and chronic cough. Recognition of laryngeal dysfunction is important to deliver targeted treatment and failure to recognize the condition can lead to repeated use of inappropriate treatment. Diagnosis is not straightforward, however, and many patients appear to present with symptoms attributable to laryngeal dysfunction, but in whom the diagnosis has been overlooked in clinical work-up for some time. This review provides an overview of the current state of knowledge in the field of laryngeal dysfunction, with a focus on pragmatic clinical assessment and management.

Vocal cord dysfunction: a functional cause of respiratory distress

VCD has several clinical and physiological phenotypes, which should be individually identifiedhttp://ow.ly/orfb309fMxh.

Treatment of Chronic Cough: Single-Institution Experience Utilizing Behavioral Therapy

Objective

Chronic cough remains a challenging condition, especially in cases where it persists despite comprehensive medical management. For these particular patients, there appears to be an emerging role for behavior modification therapy. We report a series of patients with refractory chronic cough to assess if there is any benefit of adding behavioral therapy to their treatment regimen.

Study Design

A case series with planned chart review of patients treated for chronic cough.

Setting

The review was performed with an outpatient electronic health record system at a tertiary care center.

Subjects and Methods

The charts of all patients treated for chronic cough by a single laryngologist over a 30-month period were analyzed. Patients’ response to treatment and rate of cough improvement were assessed for those with refractory chronic cough who underwent behavior modification therapy.

Results

Thirty-eight patients with chronic cough were initially treated empirically for the most common causes of cough, of which 32% experienced improvement. Nineteen patients who did not significantly improve with medical management underwent behavior modification therapy with a speech-language pathologist. Of these patients, 84% experienced resolution or marked improvement of their symptoms.

Conclusion

Behavioral therapy may be underutilized in practice and could lead to improvement of otherwise recalcitrant cough.

Occupational and Environmental Contributions to Chronic Cough in Adults: Chest Expert Panel Report

BACKGROUND

In response to occupational and environmental exposures, cough can be an isolated symptom reflecting exposure to an irritant with little physiological consequence, or it can be a manifestation of more significant disease. This document reviews occupational and environmental contributions to chronic cough in adults, focusing on aspects not previously covered in the 2006 ACCP Cough Guideline or our more recent systematic review, and suggests an approach to investigation of these factors when suspected.

METHODS

MEDLINE and TOXLINE literature searches were supplemented by articles identified by the cough panel occupational and environmental subgroup members, to identify occupational and environmental aspects of chronic cough not previously covered in the 2006 ACCP Cough Guideline. Based on the literature reviews and the Delphi methodology, the cough panel occupational and environmental subgroup developed guideline suggestions that were approved after review and voting by the full cough panel.

RESULTS

The literature review identified relevant articles regarding: mechanisms; allergic environmental causes; chronic cough and the recreational and involuntary inhalation of tobacco and marijuana smoke; nonallergic environmental triggers; laryngeal syndromes; and occupational diseases and exposures. Consensus-based statements were developed for the approach to diagnosis due to a lack of strong evidence from published literature.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite increased understanding of cough related to occupational and environmental triggers, there remains a gap between the recommended assessment of occupational and environmental causes of cough and the reported systematic assessment of these factors. There is a need for further documentation of occupational and environmental causes of cough in the future.

REVIEW SERIES: Chronic cough: Behaviour modification therapies for chronic cough

Chronic cough (CC) can be refractory to medical treatment and newer strategies are required for these patients. Behaviour modification therapies are a potential approach for management of cough that does not respond to medical management. Behaviour modification therapy for CC involves an individually tailored programme teaching individuals to increase control over cough symptoms and includes education, specific strategies to suppress the cough, vocal hygiene training and psychoeducational counselling. Several case series have described speech pathology treatment for CC and a recent randomized control trial has demonstrated a significant improvement in symptoms. Possible mechanisms for this improvement include reduced cough reflex sensitivity, increased voluntary control of the cough and reduced stimulation of cough receptors. Respiratory retraining used by physiotherapists may also have potential for use in CC. The validity of psychological therapeutic approaches to CC rests on concepts of CC as a disorder with a psychogenic component, and the ability of cognitive therapies to modify the cough pathway. This work outlines current literature into behavioural management of CC and suggests new directions for practice and research in adults with this condition. Chronic Respiratory Disease 2007; 4: 89—97

Laryngeal Reflexes: Physiology, Technique, and Clinical Use

This review examines the current level of knowledge and techniques available for the study of laryngeal reflexes. Overall, the larynx is under constant control of several systems (including respiration, swallowing and cough) as well as sensory motor reflex responses involving glossopharyngeal, pharyngeal, laryngeal, and tracheobronchial sensory receptors. Techniques for the clinical assessment of these reflexes are emerging and need to be examined for sensitivity and specificity in identifying laryngeal sensory disorders. Quantitative assessment methods for the diagnosis of sensory reductions and sensory hypersensitivity may account for laryngeal disorders, such as chronic cough, paradoxical vocal fold disorder, and muscular tension dysphonia. The development of accurate assessment techniques could improve our understanding of the mechanisms involved in these disorders.

Evidence-Based Systematic Review: Effects of Speech-Language Pathology Treatment for Individuals With Paradoxical Vocal Fold Motion

PURPOSE

In this article, our goal was to determine the state of the evidence and the effect of speech-language pathology (SLP) treatment for individuals with paradoxical vocal fold motion (PVFM).

METHOD

The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association's National Center for Evidence-Based Practice in Communication Disorders searched 22 electronic databases using key words related to PVFM, speech or voice treatment, and behavioral intervention for articles published through July 2013. Identified articles were systematically evaluated to assess the quality of the evidence using a modification of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association's critical appraisal scheme.

RESULTS

Sixty-five articles met the search criteria. Only 2 out of the 65 articles were judged to contain adequate evidence to evaluate the effect of SLP treatment for PVFM. All 65 articles exemplify the state of the evidence for SLP treatment for PVFM.

CONCLUSION

The state of the evidence for the use of SLP treatment is in its infancy, with a majority of articles in the exploratory stage of research. Consequently, few clinical implications can be drawn at this time. SLP treatment for PVFM is promising; however, there is clearly a pressing need for systematic experimental studies that involve a control group to further the evidence base.

Gabapentin in chronic cough

BACKGROUND

Chronic cough is regarded as a challenging clinical problem due to its frequency and often limited therapeutic options. Chronic cough that remains refractory to usual medical treatment causes significant quality of life impairment.

METHODS

Recent developments in the treatment of cough include the use of speech pathology and pharmacotherapy with gabapentin. Relevant randomised control trials, reviews and case reports were identified through a PubMed and SCOPUS search of English-language literature referring to these concepts over the last eight years.

RESULTS

The effectiveness of neuromodulating medications such as gabapentin and pregabalin in the treatment of cough has been supported primarily through case series, case reports, prospective reviews and a double blind randomised controlled trial. Gabapentin results in a reduction in cough frequency and cough severity. It improves cough related quality of life. The effect is greatest in patients with features of central reflex sensitisation such as laryngeal paraesthesia, hypertussia and allotussia. These symptoms can be measured using the Newcastle Laryngeal Hypersensitivity Questionnaire. Side effects of gabapentin include somnolence and dizziness.

CONCLUSION

Recent additions in the treatment of chronic cough have been significant as they consider cough to have a unifying diagnosis of cough hypersensitivity with or without the presence of a neuropathic basis. Effective treatments for refractory chronic cough that target these areas include behavioural treatment such as speech pathology and pharmaceutical treatment with neuromodulating medications such as gabapentin.

Chronic cough: an otorhinolaryngology perspective

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Cough lasting more than 8 weeks is a common presenting complaint to the otolaryngologist. Historically, chronic cough has been attributed to post-nasal drip, laryngopharyngeal reflux and cough-variant asthma. This study reviews chronic cough from the viewpoint of an otolaryngologist.

RECENT FINDINGS

More recent studies suggest the influence of laryngeal neuropathy and its interplay with laryngopharyngeal reflux. There is limited evidence for post-nasal drip or cough-variant asthma causing chronic cough.

SUMMARY

In this study, we review the evidence for cause of chronic cough, as well as up to date techniques for the otolaryngologist, including transnasal esophagoscopy, to assess the patient in clinic allowing accurate diagnosis. Treatment options for the otolaryngologist are discussed and the role of multidisciplinary input emphasized.

Vocal cord dysfunction

Vocal cord dysfunction (VCD), generally characterized by paradoxical closure of the vocal cords during inspiration, is a common mimicker of asthma and of other conditions that cause upper airway obstruction. As a result, it is frequently overlooked and often misdiagnosed, resulting in administration of excessive medications or other unnecessary interventions, with resultant morbidity. This article explores the clinical features, proposed causes, diagnostic considerations, and management of VCD, as well as some differences between VCD and asthma that can aid in differentiating these two diagnoses in the clinical setting.

Paradoxical vocal fold motion: respiratory retraining to manage long-term symptoms

Paradoxical vocal fold motion (PVFM) is a laryngeal disorder characterized by abnormal adduction of the vocal folds during respiration. It is caused by a multitude of etiologies and their interactions. In the current study, a 24-year-old female patient with a 12-year complaint of shortness of breath was diagnosed with paradoxical vocal fold motion following nasal endoscopy, spirometry testing and detailed case history analysis. She had no history or indication of laryngopharyngeal reflux or chronic cough. She performed respiratory retraining exercises three to four times daily for a period of four weeks, and continued daily exercises for two additional months as needed. After four weeks of treatment, abnormal vocal fold adduction continued to be seen on endoscopy and the patient was mildly symptomatic. One month post-treatment, there was no abnormal vocal fold adduction and the patient reported rare shortness of breath. At three months post-treatment, there was no abnormal vocal fold adduction and the patient no longer reported shortness of breath. She reported normal breathing with no symptoms one year later. The results suggest that non-pulmonary related shortness of breath treated with respiratory retraining can effectively eliminate dyspnea in patients with long term breathing difficulties caused by paradoxical vocal fold motion. Resolution may require treatment over an extended period of time.

Exercise-induced laryngeal obstruction: natural history and effect of surgical treatment

The current follow-up study concerning the supraglottic type of exercise-induced laryngeal obstruction (EILO) was performed to reveal the natural history of supraglottic EILO and compare the symptoms, as well as the laryngeal function in conservatively versus surgically treated patients. A questionnaire-based survey was conducted 2-5 years after EILO was diagnosed by a continuous laryngoscopy exercise (CLE) test in 94 patients with a predominantly supraglottic obstruction. Seventy-one patients had been treated conservatively and 23 with laser supraglottoplasty. The questionnaire response rate was 70 and 100% in conservatively treated (CT) and surgically treated (ST) patients, respectively. A second CLE test was performed in 14 CT and 19 ST patients. A visual analogue scale on symptom severity indicated improvements in both the groups, i.e. mean values (± standard deviations) declined from 73 (20) to 53 (26) (P < 0.001) in the CT group and from 87 (26) to 25 (27) (P < 0.001) in the ST group. At follow-up, ST patients reported lower scores regarding current level of complaints, and higher ability to perform exercise, as well as to push themselves physically, all compared to CT patients (P < 0.001). CLE scores were normalized in 3 of 14 (21%) CT and 16 of 19 (84%) ST patients (Z = -3.6; P < 0.001). In conclusion, symptoms of EILO diagnosed in adolescents generally decreased during 2-5 years follow-up period but even more after the surgical treatment. Patients with supraglottic EILO may benefit from supraglottoplasty both as to laryngeal function and symptom relief.

Laryngeal sensory deficits in patients with chronic cough and paradoxical vocal fold movement disorder

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS

Although the diagnostic accuracy of paradoxical vocal fold movement disorder and chronic cough has improved, the underlying pathophysiology remains relatively unknown. We hypothesize that one potential etiological factor in these patients is an aberrant laryngeal sensory response and sought to determine if respiratory retraining in addition to antireflux therapy alters this aberrant response.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective, outcomes.

METHODS

Sixteen patients who had been on at least 3 months of twice-daily proton pump inhibitors with no subjective improvement in their primary complaint of cough, self-reported symptoms of gastroesophageal and laryngopharyngeal reflux, and concurrent paradoxical vocal fold movement (PVFM) were included in the current study. In addition to continuing twice daily pharmacological therapy, subjects underwent a course of respiratory retraining. Outcome measures including the Reflux Symptom Index (RSI), transnasal flexible laryngoscopy, and laryngopharyngeal sensory discrimination thresholds were obtained prior to and following a course of respiratory retraining.

RESULTS

Mean bilateral laryngeal sensory response improved significantly after combined respiratory retraining and aggressive proton pump inhibitor therapy (P = .01). In addition, mean RSI score decreased significantly following treatment (P = .02). Specifically, 13 of 16 patients experienced improved sensory response, corresponding with patient reports of improved PVFM symptoms following treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Aberrant laryngeal sensation was identified in patients with PVFM and chronic cough. This response, however, normalized following a limited course of respiratory retraining, corresponding with improved patient symptoms.

Cough and swallowing dysfunction

The symptom of cough may result from a multitude of etiologies involving different parts of the aerodigestive tract. This article focuses on the association of cough and swallowing dysfunction in the sense that cough may be an indicator of swallow dysfunction and in the importance of cough in preventing aspiration and aspiration-related disorders. Whereas these associations have been known for a long time, research is starting to connect the dots, allowing targeting of strategies aimed at diagnosing and preventing illness in certain dysphagic patients.

Vocal cord dysfunction: beyond severe asthma

BACKGROUND

Vocal cord dysfunction (VCD) is the abnormal adduction of the vocal cords during inspiration causing extrathoracic airway obstruction. VCD has been described as a confounder of severe asthma. The influence of VCD among less severe asthmatics has not been previously defined.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 59 patients with pulmonologist-diagnosed asthma who were referred for videolaryngostroboscopy (VLS) testing from 2006 to 2007.

RESULTS

A total of 44 patients had both asthma and VCD. 15 patients had asthma without concomitant VCD. Females were predominant in both groups. Overall, the majority of patients referred for VLS testing had mild-to-moderate asthma (78%) and 72% of these patients had VCD. Few patients from either group had "classic" VCD symptoms of stridor or hoarseness. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and rhinitis were common in both groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Vocal cord dysfunction occurs across the spectrum of asthma severity. There was a lack of previously described "classic" VCD symptoms among asthmatics. Symptoms were diverse and not easily distinguished from common symptoms of asthma, highlighting the need for a high index of suspicion for VCD in patients with asthma. Failure to consider and diagnose VCD may result in misleading assumptions about asthma control, and result in unnecessary adjustments of asthma medications. The high prevalence of GERD raises the question of the role of acid reflux in the pathogenesis of VCD in asthmatics.

Characterization of laryngeal dysfunction in chronic persistent cough

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS

Laryngeal symptoms are increasingly recognized to occur in chronic persistent cough and may result from the sensory hyperresponsiveness that characterizes this condition. Apart from cough, the motor consequences of sensory activation have not been well described in chronic persistent cough. The efficacy of speech pathology treatment for chronic cough suggests that laryngeal dysfunction may be relevant in chronic persistent cough. This study investigated the relationship between cough reflex sensitivity and laryngeal dysfunction, which was assessed as paradoxical vocal cord movement (PVCM) and extrathoracic airway hyperresponsiveness, in patients with chronic cough.

STUDY DESIGN

Cross-sectional case-control comparison of subjects with chronic cough and healthy controls.

METHODS

Adults with chronic persistent cough (n = 25) and healthy controls (n = 11) were assessed by cough-specific quality of life questionnaire, extrathoracic airway hyperresponsiveness to hypertonic saline provocation, capsaicin cough reflex hypersensitivity, and fibreoptic laryngoscopy to assess PVCM.

RESULTS

Laryngeal dysfunction was present in many patients with chronic persistent cough. PVCM was present in 56% of subjects with chronic cough and accompanied by cough reflex hypersensitivity and impaired quality of life. Inspiratory airflows were reduced in cough with PVCM, and there was significant extrathoracic airway hyperresponsiveness.

CONCLUSIONS

Laryngeal dysfunction is common in chronic cough, where it is manifest as paradoxical vocal cord movement and extrathoracic airway hyperresponsiveness. Laryngeal dysfunction in chronic cough is associated with reduced quality of life. Laryngeal hypersensitivity may be a common mechanism that can be effectively treated by speech language therapy.

Chronic cough and laryngeal dysfunction improve with specific treatment of cough and paradoxical vocal fold movement

Rationale

Chronic persistent cough can be associated with laryngeal dysfunction that leads to symptoms such as dysphonia, sensory hyperresponsiveness to capsaicin, and motor dysfunction with paradoxical vocal fold movement and variable extrathoracic airflow obstruction (reduced inspiratory airflow). Successful therapy of chronic persistent cough improves symptoms and sensory hyperresponsiveness. The effects of treatment for chronic cough on laryngeal dysfunction are not known.

Objective

The aim of this study was to investigate effects of therapy for chronic cough and paradoxical vocal fold movement.

Methods

Adults with chronic cough (n = 24) were assessed before and after treatment for chronic persistent cough by measuring quality of life, extrathoracic airway hyperresponsiveness to hypertonic saline provocation, capsaicin cough reflex hypersensitivity and fibreoptic laryngoscopy to observe paradoxical vocal fold movement. Subjects with chronic cough were classified into those with (n = 14) or without (n = 10) paradoxical vocal fold movement based on direct observation at laryngoscopy.

Results

Following treatment there was a significant improvement in cough related quality of life and cough reflex sensitivity in both groups. Subjects with chronic cough and paradoxical vocal fold movement also had additional improvements in extrathoracic airway hyperresponsiveness and paradoxical vocal fold movement. The degree of improvement in cough reflex sensitivity correlated with the improvement in extrathoracic airway hyperresponsiveness.

Conclusion

Laryngeal dysfunction is common in chronic persistent cough, where it is manifest as paradoxical vocal fold movement and extrathoracic airway hyperresponsiveness. Successful treatment for chronic persistent cough leads to improvements in these features of laryngeal dysfunction.

Speech pathology for chronic cough: a new approach

Chronic cough may persist despite systematic evaluation and medical treatment of known associated diseases such as asthma, rhinitis, and gastro-esophageal reflux. These patients have refractory chronic cough and many exhibit laryngeal hypersensitivity that is manifest at both a sensory and motor level. Examples of this are heightened sensitivity of the cough reflex to capsaicin, and laryngeal motor dysfunction with hoarse vocal quality and paradoxical vocal cord movement. Chronic cough that persists despite medical treatment may respond to speech pathology intervention. A multidimensional speech pathology treatment programme was designed based upon methods used to treat hyperfunctional voice disorders and paradoxical vocal fold movement. This included education, vocal hygiene training, cough suppression strategies and psychoeducational counseling. When tested in a single-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial involving 87 patients, participants in the treatment group demonstrated a significant reduction in cough, breathing, voice and upper airway symptoms following intervention, as well as improvements in auditory perceptual ratings of voice quality (breathy, rough, strain and glottal fry) and significant improvement in voice acoustic parameters (maximum phonation time, jitter and harmonic-to-noise ratio). Speech pathology intervention can be an effective way to treat refractory chronic cough.

Differential diagnosis of paradoxical vocal fold movement

PURPOSE

To present the differential diagnosis of paradoxical vocal fold movement (PVFM) and its distinguishing features.

METHODS

The authors provide an overview of PVFM by drawing from 30 years of clinical and research experience, and relating that experience to literature in this area.

CONCLUSION

PVFM is characterized by inappropriate adduction of the vocal folds during inspiration. PVFM is an uncommon and sometimes confusing cause of airway obstruction. The resultant obstruction may be intermittent or continuous, mild or severe. Most patients with PVFM have a specific etiology--inflammatory, neurological, neoplastic, iatrogenic, or psychological--that influences type of treatment and outcome.

The role of sensory dysfunction in the development of voice disorders, chronic cough and paradoxical vocal fold movement

Sensory function may be important in the pathogenesis of Chronic Cough (CC) and Paradoxical Vocal Fold Movement (PVFM). This paper aims to explore sensory issues related to the pathogenesis, classification, assessment and management of these conditions. Sensory disruption of the vagus nerve can occur through neural plasticity whereby a change occurs in the way a central neuron reacts to an incoming stimulus. Such disruption can be demonstrated through assessment of cough reflex sensitivity and extrathoracic airway hyperresponsiveness both of which may be increased in CC and PVFM. In addition, sensory function may be determined by measuring the laryngeal adductor reflex, however this phenomenon is yet to be explored in CC and PVFM. The similarity in sensory dysfunction between CC and PVFM provides support for a link between the two conditions. There are also similarities in underlying medical conditions and symptom profiles between CC/PVFM and voice disorders such as muscle tension dysphonia. Although coughing and throat clearing may be contributing factors in the development and maintenance of voice disorders, they may occur in response to extrathoracic airway hyperresponsiveness. Dysphonia can occur in CC/PVFM and may improve following behavioural treatment of CC.

A review of voice and upper airway function in chronic cough and paradoxical vocal cord movement

PURPOSE OF THE REVIEW

Chronic cough and paradoxical vocal fold movement (PVFM) are perplexing conditions. This paper reviews the recent literature in relation to the nature of PVFM and chronic cough and the management of symptoms associated with these disorders.

RECENT FINDINGS

There are similarities in the voice and upper airway symptoms in chronic cough and PVFM. Clinically significant voice symptoms are present in approximately 40% of individuals with chronic cough and PVFM and are similar to those occurring in voice disorders such as muscle tension dysphonia. Chronic cough can be associated with PVFM in a large proportion of cases. Extrathoracic airway hyperresponsiveness is a common underlying mechanism in PVFM and chronic cough. Speech pathology intervention can be effective in controlling symptoms in chronic cough, which suggests that the anatomic diagnostic protocol could be expanded to incorporate this intervention. Chronic cough that fails to respond to medical management should be conceptualized as either due to PVFM or idiopathic. PVFM and chronic cough are not necessarily the result of underlying psychopathology.

SUMMARY

Chronic cough and PVFM manifest in a range of clinically significant voice and upper airway symptoms. The anatomic diagnostic protocol used in the management of chronic cough could be expanded to include PVFM as a potential cause of cough, and speech pathology intervention as treatment for chronic cough.

Respiratory retraining therapy and management of laryngopharyngeal reflux in the treatment of patients with cough and paradoxical vocal fold movement disorder

OBJECTIVES

We describe the outcome of patients with cough and paradoxical vocal fold movement disorder (PVFMD) treated with respiratory retraining therapy and management of laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR).

METHODS

Twenty patients with the complaint of cough were given a diagnosis of PVFMD and treated with proton pump inhibitors for a minimum of 6 months followed by 3 to 5 sessions of respiratory retraining therapy. Pulmonary function testing (PFT) and subjective rating of cough and reflux (reflux symptom index; RSI) were performed. Also, PFT and rating of cough were performed on a group of 10 healthy volunteers with no complaint of cough.

RESULTS

The study group comprised 13 women and 7 men. The baseline cough rating and ratio of forced inspiratory volume at 0.5 second to forced inspiratory vital capacity (FIV0.5/FIVC) on PFT were significantly worse in the treatment group than in the control group. After therapy, 20 patients (100%) experienced improvement in cough, 19 patients (95%) experienced improvement on PFT, and 17 patients (85%) experienced improvement in the RSI score. The differences were statistically significant.

CONCLUSIONS

Respiratory retraining therapy combined with management of LPR is an effective treatment for patients with cough and PVFMD when a single-modality treatment is not sufficient.

Long-term outcome of vocal cord dysfunction

BACKGROUND

Vocal cord dysfunction (VCD) is an involuntary functional disorder commonly misdiagnosed as asthma. Previous reports describe the disorder and treatment but not the long-term outcome.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the long-term outcome of VCD.

METHODS

A retrospective medical record review identified 49 patients, ages 8 to 25 years, diagnosed as having VCD from 1989 to 2002. Telephone contact was attempted in all.

RESULTS

Of the 49 patients, 41 had previously been treated for asthma; that diagnosis was confirmed by us as a comorbidity in only 12 patients. Two distinct phenotypes of VCD were observed. Symptoms were limited to exercise-induced VCD (EIVCD) in 29 and spontaneously occurring VCD (SVCD) in 20, only 4 of whom additionally had EIVCD. Twenty-eight of the 49 were successfully contacted by telephone. Eight of the 11 contacted patients with SVCD followed the recommendation to see our speech therapist, all of whom learned to control symptoms. However, 2 who also had EIVCD continued with that problem. Pretreatment with an anticholinergic inhaler prevented EIVCD in 6 patients in whom this was tried. Complete absence of symptoms, at times ranging from 1 week to 5 years (median, 5 months), was reported in 26 of the 28 contacted patients.

CONCLUSIONS

VCD continues to be frequently misdiagnosed as asthma. Two phenotypes of VCD are apparent: EIVCD and SVCD. Speech therapy provides relief of symptoms for SVCD. Prevention of EIVCD with an anticholinergic inhaler in 6 patients suggests that a controlled clinical trial is warranted. Regardless of treatment, eventual spontaneous resolution was common.