Introduction to Behavioral Cough Suppression Therapy (BCST)
Chronic cough is a persistent health issue affecting approximately 12% of the population, leading to over 20 million physician visits annually. It often results in significant frustration for patients due to the extensive testing and medical consultations required before finding an effective treatment. However, recent research suggests that Behavioral Cough Suppression Therapy (BCST) can offer a promising solution, especially for patients with refractory chronic cough (RCC).
Understanding the Research
The study titled Assessing referral and practice patterns of patients with chronic cough referred for behavioral cough suppression therapy provides valuable insights into the effectiveness of BCST. Conducted in two parts, the research surveyed 126 speech-language pathologists (SLPs) and 36 patients with RCC. The findings revealed that BCST significantly improves cough-related quality of life, with 87% of patients showing clinically significant improvement after therapy.
Key Findings for Practitioners
- BCST is effective in reducing cough severity and frequency, improving quality of life, and reducing cough sensitivity.
- Patients typically experience significant relief within 1 to 2 weeks of starting BCST.
- Despite its efficacy, BCST is rarely considered early in the treatment process, leading to prolonged patient frustration and unnecessary medical expenses.
Implementing BCST in Practice
For practitioners, integrating BCST into the treatment plan for chronic cough can lead to better patient outcomes. Here are some steps to consider:
- Early Consideration: Introduce BCST earlier in the treatment process to reduce patient frustration and healthcare costs.
- Education and Training: Educate patients about the physiology of cough and the benefits of cough suppression.
- Comprehensive Approach: Combine BCST with vocal hygiene, cough suppression strategies, and psychoeducational counseling.
- Screening Tools: Develop and utilize screening tools to identify suitable candidates for BCST.
Encouraging Further Research
While BCST has shown promising results, further research is needed to refine its implementation. Practitioners are encouraged to explore the following areas:
- Risk-Benefit Analysis: Determine the optimal timing for introducing BCST in the treatment algorithm for chronic cough.
- Cough Hypersensitivity Testing: Investigate the clinical application of cough hypersensitivity testing to identify candidates for BCST.
- Long-term Outcomes: Study the sustainability of BCST effects over extended periods.
By embracing BCST and advocating for further research, practitioners can enhance the quality of care for patients with chronic cough, ultimately leading to improved patient satisfaction and health outcomes.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Assessing referral and practice patterns of patients with chronic cough referred for behavioral cough suppression therapy.
