Phonatory Function Parameters in Females with Prolonged Usage of Inhaled Corticosteroids for Asthma: An Exploratory Laryngeal Aerodynamic Study

The present study aimed to document the aerodynamic parameters in adult females with prolonged usage of inhaled corticosteroids. Bronchial asthma, labored breathing and wheezing, and allergies can also cause sore throat and inflammation around the vocal cords. So the voice sound becomes hoarse or scratchy when swollen, inflamed cords don’t vibrate efficiently. Aerodynamic analysis assesses the interaction of both respiratory and laryngeal function. Twenty female participants within the age range of eighteen to twenty five years were included in this study. They were divided into two groups. The control group constituted of ten participants (Mean age- 21.4 years, SD-2.073; Mean height-158.49 cm, SD-4.61; Mean weight- 59.46 kg, SD- 2.43) with no history of asthma. The second group (experimental group) had ten female participants with asthma. Voice Function Analyzer, Aerophone II was used in this study for assessing the laryngeal aerodynamic parameters. The study documented reduced vital capacity (p =0.0013) at 5% level of significance which is manifested as short utterances and reduced loudness in these speakers. The change of aerodynamic characteristics can be due to the effect of remodeling of airway wall associated with steroidal usage. Hence inclusion of voice function analyzer Aerophone II a non invasive aerodynamic measurement in phonatory studies, may be substantial in diagnosing this disorder and to monitor the steroidal dosage during course of treatment.