Laryngeal Hypersensitivity

What is laryngeal hypersensitivity?

Hypersensitivity of the larynx can be both a cause and a symptom of a variety of laryngeal disorders, including chronic cough, paradoxical vocal fold motion disorder (PVFM) or vocal cord dysfunction, globus sensation, and some instances of muscle tension dysphonia.  Common triggers are found in many of these sensory disorder syndromes. Triggers can be:

• Environmental (perfumes, fuel fumes, dust, cleaning products, smoke)
• Internal (laryngopharyngeal reflux disease, post-nasal drip, allergies)
• Associated with exertion (physical exercise)
• Emotional (related to stress or emotional situations)
• Associated with lower airway disease (asthma).

Individuals with laryngeal hypersensitivity often experience the following conditions which are evaluated and treated by speech-language pathologists:

• Chronic coughing or throat clearing
• Episodes of difficulty breathing, called paradoxical vocal fold motion disorder