Introduction
Chronic cough, defined as a daily or near-daily cough persisting for at least eight weeks, affects approximately 5% of the US population. This condition significantly impacts quality of life, sleep, and daily activities, posing challenges for healthcare practitioners. Recent research has highlighted the complexity of diagnosing and treating chronic cough, especially in cases classified as refractory chronic cough (RCC) or unexplained chronic cough (UCC).
Understanding the Research
The systematic literature review titled "Systematic literature review of treatments used for refractory or unexplained chronic cough in adults" offers valuable insights into the current landscape of chronic cough treatments. This review, conducted following the PRISMA guidelines, evaluated 20 eligible publications from 19 unique trials. Most of these trials were randomized controlled trials, with a majority being placebo-controlled.
Key Findings
The review identified significant variability in trial designs, participant criteria, and outcome measures. Despite these variations, several trials reported improvements in cough frequency, severity, and health-related quality of life during treatment. However, these improvements did not persist post-treatment, highlighting the need for ongoing management strategies.
- Placebo as a Common Comparator: In the absence of approved therapies, placebo remains a prevalent comparator in chronic cough trials, underscoring the need for innovative treatment options.
- Variability in Study Designs: The heterogeneity in study designs, populations, and outcome measures limits the comparability of results across trials.
- Potential Treatments: The review discusses various treatments, including antitussives, neuromodulators, and corticosteroids, which have been used off-label for RCC and UCC.
Implications for Practitioners
For practitioners, this research highlights the importance of personalized treatment approaches for chronic cough. Given the variability in patient responses and the lack of persistent treatment effects, practitioners should consider:
- Comprehensive Patient Evaluation: Thoroughly assess patients to identify potential underlying causes and tailor treatment plans accordingly.
- Ongoing Monitoring: Continuously monitor patients' responses to treatment and adjust strategies as needed to manage symptoms effectively.
- Collaboration and Research: Engage in collaborative research efforts to explore new treatment avenues and contribute to the growing body of evidence.
Encouraging Further Research
This review serves as a call to action for further research in the field of chronic cough. By exploring new therapeutic options and refining existing treatments, researchers can help improve outcomes for patients with RCC and UCC.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Systematic literature review of treatments used for refractory or unexplained chronic cough in adults.
