Overview
Researchers will test the effect of non-invasive vibrotactile stimulation of the larynx on symptom severity of unexplained chronic cough.
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria:
- Adults aged 18-88
- >8 weeks of cough
- Cough visual analogue scale (VAS): Rating of 30 or greater on a 0-100 cough severity scale
- Ability to provide informed consent and independently complete questionnaires
- Ability to read and speak English
Exclusion Criteria:
- Electronic implants (e.g., pacemaker)
- Currently doing speech therapy for cough
- Contraindications to safe or effective VTS device use
- No regular access to wifi internet Neuromuscular impairment that may affect cough/laryngeal sensation and/or function (e.g., multiple system atrophy, Parkinson, CVA, vocal fold paralysis or paresis)
- Untreated carotid disease
- BMI > 40 (for transmission of VTS through soft tissue)
- Current or recent (quit < 3 months ago) smoking
- Known currently infectious cause for cough (e.g., TB, pertussis, COVID)
- History of known or suspected aspiration pneumonia
- Diagnosis or clinical suspicion of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Diagnosis or clinical suspicion of interstitial lung disease (ILD)
- Unmanaged reflux
- Unmanaged allergies/postnasal drip