WHAT IS COUGH?

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Cough can manifest itself as a persistent sensation of irritation in the throat. When this becomes chronic (longer than 4 weeks) and examination by a pulmonologist or ENT doctor can not reveal an underlying lung problem or demonstrable throat-or laryngeal abnormalities, this is probably maintained by a neurological cause. The stimulus feeling does not go away when coughing. On the contrary, it leads to coughing again. This becomes a vicious circle. This entity is called "neuropathic coughing".

Bastian RW, Vaidya AM, Delsupehe KG.Sensory neuropathic cough: a common and treatable cause of chronici cough. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2006;135:17-21.

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WHAT ARE THE CAUSES?

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Coughing can be caused by a wide range of causes. Often cough is caused by underlying abnormalities:

• Lung problem

• Throat or larynx defect

• Neurological disease

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WHAT ARE THE RISK FACTORS?

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Smoking is one of the most important risk factors for chronic cough. Second-hand smoking can also lead to coughing and damage to the lungs. Women generally have more sensitive cough reflexes than men, so they are more likely to develop a long-term cough.

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HOW ABOUT THE EXAMINATION?

 

The voice organ and its function are examined by an ENT doctor and a speech therapist. The voice has 3 functions: breathing, protecting the airway while swallowing and speaking. Every person is dependent on these 3 functions every moment of the day.

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In addition to a thorough survey and a clinical examination of the neck, an inspection of the vocal cords (laryngoscopy) takes place at rest and during vocalization. This is supplemented by a stroboscopy, research in which through short flashes of light, the vibration pattern of the vocal cords is delayed and thus displayed in more detail.