Journal Article

P108 Provocation laryngoscopy in the management of chronic cough; what is the added value?

Lever, H, Tidmarsh, B, Slinger, C, Marsden, P

2025

Overview

Aims and objectivesChronic cough is an important condition with significant morbidity. Speech therapy has been recognised as a treatment option. The aim of this study was to review procedure outcomes from laryngoscopy and to review the utility of this procedure in a chronic cough cohort. Speech and Language Therapists (SLTs) conduct diagnostic provocation laryngoscopy as part of routine care for upper airway disorders (RCSLT 2021).MethodsMedical records were reviewed over 12 months in patients who had been seen in a chronic cough service. Demographics and assessment outcomes were collated for patients who had a diagnostic laryngoscopy.Results49 patients underwent a diagnostic laryngoscopy (of whom 76% female, mean age 59.8, SD = 15.37). For procedure outcomes, see table 1. Six patients were discharged. Referrals for Physiotherapy were for assessment of breathing pattern disorder. Of those commenced on sinus treatment, five (50%) had described symptoms of nasal congestion or postnasal drip at initial consultation. Of those diagnosed with ILO, five (45.5%) did not report any breathlessness at initial consultation. No adverse events occurred in laryngoscopy.Abstract P108 Table 1ConclusionThe benefits of laryngoscopy include: Confirmation of upper airway diagnoses and comorbidities, informing onward referrals and medical treatment, trialling and identifying beneficial therapy techniques for speech and language intervention. Images can also be reviewed for comparison at later date, to give reassurance to the patient and for bio visual feedback.

• Publisher: BMJ Publishing Group LTD
• Subject: Laryngoscopy