Abstract
Aims: To determine whether superior laryngeal nerve (SLN) block with lidocaine and steroids would reduce cough in patients with long term refractory cough.
Methods: This was a retrospective review of 8 patients with long term refractory cough, undergoing unilateral SLN block. Pre and post measures of 24 hr cough, cough visual analogue scale (VAS) and Hull airway Reflux Questionnaire (HARQ) were measured.
Results: 8 (7 female) patients, mean age 61 were studied prior and following unilateral block of the suerior laryngeal nerve. Effectiveness of the procedure was measured using subjective scores of cough intensity/frequency using VAS and HARQ and objectively, by measuring 24 hr ambulatory cough with the Hull Cough Recorder with analysis via leicester cough monitoring system.
24hr cough was significantly reduced from mean 427.4 to 225.3 1week post treatment (p<0.05), returning back to 472.3 at 1 month post treatment.
There was a similar fall in both the mean VAS scores and HARQ total scores at 1 week, but these didnt reach significance.
Conclusion: SLN block could be a possible effective treatment for patients with refractory cough. Indicating superior laryngeal neuropathy may contribute in part to hightened cough in these patients.
Further study of bilateral SLN nerve block and longterm effects, aswell as characterisitcs of patients responding to the procedure needs to be undertaken.
Footnotes
Cite this article as: European Respiratory Journal 2021; 58: Suppl. 65, PA1840.
This abstract was presented at the 2021 ERS International Congress, in session “Prediction of exacerbations in patients with COPD”.
This is an ERS International Congress abstract. No full-text version is available. Further material to accompany this abstract may be available at www.ers-education.org (ERS member access only).
- Copyright ©the authors 2021