METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR COUGH SOUND ANALYSIS

摘要

A fast, simple, and reliable method and apparatus for recording cough sounds for diagnosing pulmonary disorders and diseases is provided. This method uses signal analysis techniques to extract quantitative information from recorded cough sound pressure waves. The generated data can be used to diagnose pulmonary disorders and diseases as well as track the effectiveness of treatment regimens over time. The method can also be used to quickly and reliably screen individuals at risk of pulmonary disorders and diseases. The discovery of early stages of pulmonary disorders or diseases may allow earlier treatment and/or environmental modification to reduce the risk or irreversible injury to pulmonary function. The system, which is a simple, non-invasive system that can quickly and easily be administered with minimum technician and patient training, uses a mouthpiece, a tube having a distal end and a proximal end, a flexible tubing having a distal end and a proximal end, and a microphone; wherein the mouthpiece is attached to the proximal end of the tube, wherein the distal end of the tube is attached to the proximal end of the flexible tube, wherein the microphone is attached to the tube between its distal and proximal ends such that the microphone can record sound pressure waves within the system without distorting the pressure waves, and wherein the flexible tubing is sufficiently long so there are essentially no reflected sound pressure waves which interfere with the recording of the sound pressure waves at the microphone. Preferably, the system also includes a computer system to assist in recording and analyzing the sound pressure waves. A calculated cough sound index (CSI) can be used in diagnostic applications.