The Effect of a Vocal Loading Test on Cough and Phonation in Patients With Chronic Cough.

OBJECTIVE/HYPOTHESIS: Talking is a significant trigger for cough in patients with chronic cough; however, the stimulus required to trigger cough has not been quantified. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of a vocal loading task on phonation and cough behavior in patients with chronic cough and identify change following therapy.

STUDY

DESIGN

This is a prospective observational study.

METHODS

This study involved 33 patients with chronic cough. Participants were assessed with the lingWAVES Vocal Loading Test protocol before and after intervention for chronic cough.

RESULTS

At baseline, almost 40% of patients had impaired vocal function and were unable to complete the vocal loading test. This improved following therapy, with 94% of patients being able to complete the test at follow-up. There was difficulty maintaining phonation, with 60% of the task unvoiced at baseline. This improved following therapy. The vocal loading test triggered coughing in 58% of patients; however, this improved following intervention. Acoustic measures during the vocal loading test did not change following therapy.

CONCLUSION

Phonation is an important trigger for cough. Patients with chronic cough demonstrated impaired performance on tests of vocal loading. Most parameters improved following therapy.