Respiratory Therapy

Respiratory therapy consists of training by a skilled Speech-Language Pathologist on the components of respiration, including both inspiration and expiration. Respiratory retraining therapy includes understanding the respiratory system and discussing the biomechanics of breathing, voicing, swallowing and coughing. Chronic cough is a very common condition that may benefit from respiratory retraining therapy. A cough is produced by a force of air through the glottis or vocal folds. Although an essential role in clearing harmful material from the trachea or airway, a chronic cough will persist and is no longer utilized as a protective mechanism but unintentional habit. Chronic cough can result in significantly reduced quality of life due to hoarseness of voice, pain of the head and neck muscles, and chest pain. Other conditions that warrant respiratory retraining therapy can include laryngospasm, vocal cord dysfunction or paradoxical vocal fold motion, in which gaining control of the larynx or voice box through skilled breathing is critical to ensure relaxation required for appropriate airflow.