APPARATUS FOR EVALUATING A PATIENT'S LARYNGEAL COUGH REFLEX AND ASSOCIATED METHODS

摘要

An apparatus and method for evaluating a patient's laryngeal cough reflex function includes a nebulizer capable of being actuated to atomize a cough-inducing substance, a switch associated with the nebulizer, the switch responsive to actuation of the nebulizer, and a connection between the switch and an EMG machine to thereby activate the EMG machine responsive to the switch. Elapsed time between switch actuation and electrical activity sensed in a muscle which contracts to produce a cough is indicative of status of the patient's laryngeal cough reflex.