Evaluation of cough strength in bronchiectasis

Abstract

Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the cough strength in bronchiectasis patients. We also planned to examine the relationship between cough strength, exercise capacity and quality of life. Materials and methods: The study included 24 bronchiectasis patients (bronchiectasis group) and 25 healthy individuals (healthy group). Exercise capacity was evaluated with the six minute walk test (6MWT). Cough strength (Peak cough flow (PCF)) was assessed using Mini-WrightTM peak flow meter (PFM) with a mouthpiece. The quality of life was evaluated with Leicester Cough Questionnaire (LCQ). Results: A significant difference was found between the groups in terms of PCF, 6MWT, LCQ total score and subdimension scores showed significant differences in favor of the healthy group (p<0.05). A positive high correlation was observed between PCF and the following variables: 6MWT and LCQ total score (r=0.780, p<0.000 and r=0.885, p<0.000, respectively). Conclusion: This study found that cough strength was worse in bronchiectasis patients compared with healthy individuals. In addition, cough strength could negatively affect exercise capacity and quality of life. Therefore, cough strength should be added to the evaluation parameters.