What does “weak cough” mean?

ALS can lead to paralysis (paresis) of the respiratory muscles. In addition to performing the continuous work of breathing, the respiratory muscles are responsible for ensuring effective coughing. Coughing is an important bodily function that allows secretions (and foreign bodies, such as food particles inhaled after choking) to be removed from the bronchial system. Another important function of coughing is to ensure the continuous transport of bronchial secretions within the bronchial system. In “exceptional situations” (e.g., during bronchial infections or after aspiration of food particles), the coughing impulse takes on special significance. The cough is produced through a complex interaction of the pharyngeal and laryngeal muscles, as well as the diaphragm and the rib, back, and abdominal muscles.

However, all of these muscles can be weakened in ALS, leading to a reduced cough reflex (“cough deficiency”). In addition to hypoventilation (respiratory weakness), a weak cough is an important and sometimes underestimated symptom of ALS. The “cough assist device” provides an effective treatment option.