Inspiratory and Expiratory Flow Changes, Voice Symptoms and Laryngeal Findings during Histamine Challenge Tests

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to analyse the associations between the spirometry parameter changes in relation to laryngeal finding changes and self-reported voice and throat symptom changes among patients undergoing a histamine challenge test.

Patients and methods: Thirty adult patients with a chronic cough underwent a histamine challenge test. Videolaryngostroboscopy and voice and throat symptoms were assessed using a visual analogue scale immediately before and after the challenge test. Correlations between the relative changes in spirometry values in relation to the change in vocal fold oedema and redness and self-reported voice and throat symptom changes during the challenge test were assessed.

Results: A correlation between the relative change in inspiratory and expiratory air flow values and the change in voice and throat symptoms during the histamine challenge test was found. The vocal fold oedema, visible on videolaryngostroboscopy, caused by the histamine challenge did not significantly affect the spirometry air flow values.

Conclusion: The relative changes in inspiratory and expiratory air flow and voice and throat symptoms during the histamine challenge test correlated. The vocal fold oedema caused by the histamine challenge, visible on videolaryngostroboscopy, did not significantly affect the spirometry air flow values.

Keywords: Breathing; Dysphonia; Histamine challenge; Inspiratory flow; Oedema; Spirometry; Videostroboscopy; Visual analogue scale; Vocal folds; Voice; Voice Handicap Index; Voice complaints; Voice research.