The Relationship Between Cough Peak Flow Values and Dysphagia in the Acute Care Population
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Authors
Cottle, Rebekah Foster
Issue Date
2026-01-20
Type
Dissertation
Language
en_US
Keywords
Health sciences , Dissertations, Academic
Alternative Title
Abstract
Swallowing is a complex process that involves multiple muscles and nerves that are essential for adequate nutrition and hydration. When this process becomes impaired, dysphagia can occur. Dysphagia is common among elderly and hospitalized patients. It can result from neurodegenerative conditions, trauma, aging, or respiratory disease. Dysphagia may be acute, chronic, intermittent, or persistent. It can reduce quality of life, compromise nutrition, and increase the risk of aspiration. Normal swallow function consists of the delicate balance of swallowing and breathing in order to protect the airway from invasion of food and liquids. Respiratory-related diseases can increase the risk for this process to become impaired. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a life-threatening condition characterized by chronic obstruction of lung airflow. There is growing evidence that supports the relationship between COPD and dysphagia. Coughing serves as a critical mechanism for airway protection by clearing aspirated material. Recent studies have highlighted the utility of measuring cough strength, including the use of handheld devices, as an approach to dysphagia management. This study aims to evaluate voluntary cough strength and examine its relationship with dysphagia in hospitalized individuals with COPD.
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This dissertation is protected by the Copyright Laws of the United States (Public Law 94-553, revised in 1976). Consistent with fair use as defined in the Copyright Laws, brief quotations from this material are allowed with proper acknowledgement. Use of the materials for financial gain with the author's expressed written permissions is not allowed.