The Larynx as a Target for Treatment in Chronic Refractory Cough

Abstract

Chronic cough is a common and debilitating problem that remains refractory to medical treatment. Laryngeal dysfunction frequently occurs in chronic cough. The goal of this review was to explore new developments in the mechanism treatment of chronic cough particularly those that target laryngeal function. Treatments for chronic cough that target laryngeal sensation and motor function have include speech pathology, neuromodulators, botulinum toxin, trigger reduction and vocal fold augmentation. Speech pathology treatment for chronic cough can be successful; however, the mechanism behind improvement is unknown. Emerging therapies such as botulinum toxin and vocal fold augmentation show promise and are useful treatments for cough that does not respond to medical or speech pathology management.