Reflexive Coughing Force in Severe Aspirators

Severe aspiration with a compromised cough function can be a risk factor of aspiration pneumonia.

Reflexive coughing can be tested by administration of citric acid via a nebulizer. The objective of this study is to measure the cough force produced via citric acid inhalation challenge, and determine if those with severe aspiration with severe dysphagia have more weak cough force during reflexive cough testing that those post-stroke patients with no signs of aspiration or dysphagia after stroke.

We also aimed to measure the strenght of the respiratory measures with the use of surface EMG.

Inclusion criteria

• Confirmed stroke lesions
• Confirmed aspiration during vfss or fees examinations

Exclusion criteria

• Episode of acute pneumonia or pulmonary embolism at time of enrollment
• Previous history of chronic respiratory disorders or other systemic disorders that may affect respiratory function ( ex, rheumatoid disease, spinal cord injury)
• Stroke patients with multiple brain lesions
• Episode of Diaphragm weakness due to peripheral polyneuropathy or unilateral phrenic nerve palsy
• Previous episode of abdominal or thoracic surgery within one year of enrollment
• Concomitant diagnosis of myopathy, muscular dystrophy or other disorders that may affect respiratory muscles.
• Episode of rib fracture within one year of enrollment
• Chronic alcoholism
• Patient with previous diagnosis of dementia or with impaired cognitive function that may limit full participation at the evaluation
• Patient with tracheostomy state