Citation

Heydari F, Ghanei M. J. Commun. Disord. 2011; 44(3): 331-335.

Affiliation

University of Social Welfare & Rehabilitation Sciences, Department of Speech Therapy, Iran.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2011, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.jcomdis.2011.01.003

PMID

21310428

Abstract

Sulfur mustard is an alkylating agent with highly cytotoxic properties even at low exposure. It was used widely against both military and civilian population by Iraqi forces in the Iraq-Iran war (1983-1988). Although various aspects of mustard gas effects on patients with chemical injury have been relatively well characterized, its effects on speech are still evolving. We evaluated aerodynamics of speech in male patients following sulfur mustard inhalation. In a case-control study patients with chemical injuries (n=19) along with age and sex-matched healthy control group (n=20) were selected. Aerodynamic analyses were performed by using the Glasgow Airflow Measurement System (known as ST1 dysphonia). Results indicated that except mean flow rate, there were statistically significant differences in vital capacity, phonation time, phonation volume, vocal velocity index, total expired volume and phonation quotient of patients between experimental and control groups (P<0.05). This study demonstrated mustard gas can impair different parameters of speech aerodynamics. Learning outcomes: The reader will be able to understand: (1) Evaluation of air flow can provide considerable insight into speech system dysfunction and efficiency; (2) sulfur mustard known as mustard gas is one of the major chemical warfare agents developed and used during World War I; (3) exposure of sensitive respiratory structures to sulfur mustard can lead to persistent lung disease, and (4) Mustard gas can impair different parameters of speech aerodynamics.

Language: en