Reflectory cough. The causes, diagnostics and the possibilities for the combined treatment

Abstract

The main cause of reflectory cough is neurogenic hyperventilation. The clinical signs of reflectory cough include its dry and back-breaking character, the gradual increase and abrupt beginning, impossibility to stop the coughing fit, and the feeling of shortness of breath. The triggers of a coughing attack can be a deep breath, a talk, physical and/or psycho-emotional stress, fatigue, and other sensations. The typical laryngological signs of the condition in question include the broad glottal aperture (up to 20 mm and more in contrast to its normal maximum width of 15 mm) and the spasm of the vocal cords in response to inspiration. The clinic of Diseases of Ear, Throat and Nose affiliated with I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University has gained the extensive experience with the treatment of more than 500 patients presenting with reflectory cough. All these patients received the combined treatment including 10 procedures for intracutaneous novocaine blockade of the Zakhar'in-Geda zones in the larynx in the combination with auricular reflexotherapy and respiratory gymnastics intended to eliminate hyperventilation and sedative medications and myorelaxants to remove the pathologically enhanced muscle tone as well as calcium-containing preparations if indicated.