Botulinum toxin A: a novel adjunct treatment for debilitating habit cough in children
Sipp, J.A.; Haver, K.E.; Masek, B.J.; Hartnick, C.J.
Ear Nose and Throat Journal 86(9): 570-572
2007
ISSN/ISBN: 0145-5613 PMID: 17970150 Document Number: 609615
Vocal fold injection with botulinum toxin type A (BTX-A) may be used as an adjunct treatment for habit cough in children. We conducted a retrospective review of 3 cases involving children aged 11 to 13 years with habit cough treated with vocal fold injection of BTX-A. Injections of BTX-A to the thyroarytenoid muscles were effective in breaking the cough cycle in all 3 children. Their coughs recurred but were controlled with 4 to 8 sessions of behavioral therapy. Behavioral therapy remains the first-line treatment, but BTX-A may be a useful complement to behavioral therapy in patients who fail standard treatments or in those with severe cough who have limited or delayed access to mental health professionals. This is the first report, to our knowledge, on the use of BTX-A in the treatment of a habit cough.