Cough-Inducing Method Using a Tartaric Acid Nebulizer for Patients with Silent Aspiration.
Tomohisa Ohno, Naomi Tanaka, Mariko Fujimori and 8 others
PMID 33977315WHAT IT FOUND
In patients with silent aspiration who could not cough voluntarily, inhaling a tartaric acid mist induced a cough reflex in 38 of 42 cases.
Thirty of these patients expectorated the aspirated material. No adverse events were reported.
Key findings
01The tartaric acid nebulizer induced a cough reflex in 38 of the 42 patients who underwent the procedure.
02Thirty of the 42 patients were able to expectorate the aspirated food after the cough was induced.
03No patients experienced adverse events such as laryngospasm during the procedure.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for PTsWhat it means for OTsWhat it means for SLPs
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What it does not show
The study was retrospective and conducted at a single center, which limits generalizability. The method was evaluated only during videofluoroscopy, so its safety and effectiveness during actual meals are unknown. The study did not compare CiTA to other chemical stimulants like citric acid or capsaicin. Long-term safety and the effects of repeated use were not examined.
Declared interests
The authors declared no conflicts of interest. The study was approved by the Ethics Committee of Hamamatsu City Rehabilitation Hospital.
The easy way to misread this
Do not assume this method is safe or effective for routine use during meals. The study only evaluated the nebulizer during videofluoroscopic examinations, and the authors note that repeated use during daily meals requires further investigation regarding safety and timing.