Cough is a physiologic behavior important for airway protection and pulmonary health. Cough is especially important for people with dysphagia, as they tend to be more medically fragile while also likely aspirating more frequently and severely due to their existing swallowing impairment. Because of this, speech-language pathologists should include assessment and treatment of cough as part of their routine clinical practice when managing people with dysphagia.
Learning Objectives
- Describe three reasons why speech-language pathologists should value the important of assessing cough as part of routine clinical care.
- Describe how to assess reflex and voluntary cough in people with dysphagia.
- Describe two potential treatments for hypotussic cough disorders.
Intended Audience:
- Adult (18-64)
- Seniors (65+)
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