Laryngeal Dysfunction in Cough Hypersensitivity Syndrome: A Cross-Sectional Observational Study

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Speech-Language Pathology
• Pulmonology

Background:

• Chronic refractory cough (CRC) is a disabling condition often linked to cough hypersensitivity syndrome (CHS).
• Laryngeal symptoms are frequent in CRC and CHS, suggesting a potential role for laryngeal dysfunction.
• The specific nature of laryngeal dysfunction in CHS has not been systematically investigated.

Purpose of the Study:

• To characterize laryngeal dysfunction in patients diagnosed with CRC.
• To compare laryngeal dysfunction in CRC patients with those exhibiting vocal cord dysfunction (VCD) and muscle tension dysphonia (MTD).

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study design was employed.
• Sixty-nine participants, including healthy controls and patients with CRC, VCD, and MTD, were assessed.
• Laryngeal function was comprehensively evaluated during breathing, phonation, and swallowing.

Main Results:

• Patients with CRC and VCD exhibited significantly higher cough frequencies compared to healthy controls.
• Impaired voice-related quality of life and laryngeal hypersensitivity were observed in CRC, VCD, and MTD groups.
• Laryngeal dysfunction, including paradoxical vocal fold movement and mediolateral laryngeal constriction, was prevalent in CRC patients, similar to VCD and MTD groups.

Conclusions:

• Laryngeal dysfunction is a common finding in patients with CRC and CHS.
• This dysfunction may play a significant role in the underlying mechanisms of CHS.
• Speech pathology interventions targeting laryngeal dysfunction are likely beneficial for managing CHS.