Daily auricular stimulation with capsaicin ointment improved cough reflex sensitivity in elderly patients with dysphagia: a pilot study. (3rd March 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ohnishi, Hiroki; Jinnouchi, Osamu; Agawa, Seiji; Kondo, Eiji; Kawata, Ikuji; Okamoto, Hidehiko; Azuma, Takahiro; Sato, Go; Kitamura, Yoshiaki; Abe, Koji; Takeda, Noriaki
• Is Part Of: Acta oto-laryngologica. Volume 140:Number 3(2020)
• Page Start: 249
• Page End: 253
• Publication Date: 2020-03-03
• Subjects: Capsaicin -- auricular stimulation -- Arnold's ear-cough reflex -- cough reflex sensitivity; Otolaryngology -- Periodicals; Ear -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Throat -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Otolaryngology -- Electronic Resources; Otorhinolaryngologic Diseases; 617.8
• DOI: 10.1080/00016489.2020.1716993
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0001-6489

Abstract

Abstract: Background: In our previous study, a single auricular application of capsaicin ointment, but not placebo improved cough reflex in elderly patients with dysphagia. Aims/Objectives: In the present study, we examined whether daily auricular application of capsaicin ointment continued to improve cough reflex in similar patients. Material and methods: With a cotton swab, 0.025% capsaicin ointment was applied in each external auditory canal alternately once a day for 2 weeks. The cough reflex sensitivity was evaluated on videoendoscopy using a numerical score and inhalation cough challenge test using citric acid in elderly dysphagic inpatients. Results: After daily auricular application of capsaicin ointment for 2 weeks, the endoscopic score of glottal closure and cough reflexes significantly improved, and the citric acid cough threshold significantly decreased. There was a significant correlation between the endoscopic score and the citric acid cough threshold before and after daily capsaicin application in the patients. Conclusions : Daily auricular stimulation with capsaicin ointment for 2 weeks continued to improve the cough reflex sensitivity in elderly patients with dysphagia. Significance: Daily auricular stimulation with capsaicin ointment would be a safe and effective intervention to prevent pneumonia in elderly with a risk of aspiration.