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

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.

[Applications of botulin]. / Silmä, nenä, suu, kurkku, kaula, kaikki muu --botuliinin käyttömahdollisuuksia.

Among the ailments of the ocular region, the use of botulin has become established in the treatment of blepharospasm and hemifacial spasm in Finland. Botulin has also been used successfully after peripheral facial palsy to improve facial symmetry, reduce lachrymal flow, treat dribbling of saliva as well as spasmodic dysphonia of laryngeal muscles. It may be effective in dysphagia caused by tightness of the upper esophageal sphincter or in several dyshidroses. Gastroenterologic indications include anal fissure and spasm and achalasia of the lower esophageal sphincter. In urology, botulin is effective in overactive bladder and incomplete voiding.

Laryngeal Mucosal Reaction during Bronchial Histamine Challenge Test Visualized by Videolaryngostroboscopy.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: To examine the changes in the larynx, as well as self-reported voice and throat symptoms, among patients undergoing a histamine challenge test. Thus, to understand the possible clinical effects of histamine on the larynx. STUDY DESIGN: Controlled, open prospective study. METHODS: Thirty adult patients with prolonged cough and suspicion of bronchial asthma underwent a histamine challenge test. Videolaryngostroboscopy was performed immediately before and after the challenge. Voice and throat symptoms immediately before and after the challenge test were assessed using a visual analog scale. RESULTS: Videolaryngostroboscopy after exposure showed significant increases in edema (P < 0.001) as well as redness (P < 0.001) of the vocal folds after the exposure. Self-reported voice complaints increased significantly for 8 of 11 symptoms. A moderate positive correlation was found between the increase in edema of the vocal folds and reported heartburn/regurgitation symptoms (r = 0.42, P < 0.05). Atopy, asthma, nasal symptoms, or bronchial hyperreactivity during the histamine challenge test were not associated with laryngeal reactions. CONCLUSIONS: According to the results, the laryngeal mucosal reaction during a histamine challenge test can be objectively visualized. Videolaryngostroboscopy findings, together with an increase in self-reported voice and throat symptoms, show that histamine has potential effects on vocal folds. The mucosal reaction seems to be pronounced among patients with reflux symptoms, probably reflecting the permeability features of the vocal folds.