Evaluation of cough strength in bronchiectasis

Abstract Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the cough strength in bronchiectasis patients. It also examined the relationship of cough strength with exercise capacity and quality of life. Materials and methods: The study included 24 bronchiectasis patients and 25 healthy individuals. Exercise capacity was evaluated with the 6-min walk test. Peak cough flow was assessed using a peak expiratory flow PEF cough-meter with a mouthpiece (M1). The quality of life was evaluated with Leicester Cough Questionnaire. Results: A significant difference was found between the groups in terms of PEF cough Meter, 6MWT, LCQ quality-of-life total score, and subdimension scores showed significant differences in favor of the control group (P < 0.05). A positive correlation was observed between PEF cough Meter and the following variables: exercise capacity and Leicester total score (r = 0.780, P < 0.000 and r = 0.885, P < 0.000, respectively). Conclusion: This study found that cough strength was lower in bronchiectasis patients compared with healthy individuals. Cough strength could negatively affect exercise capacity and quality of life. Therefore, Cough strength should be added to the evaluation parameters.