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Cough in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
1North West Lung Centre, South Manchester University Hospitals Trust, Wythenshawe Hospital, Southmoor Road, Manchester M23 9LT, UK. jackyannsmith@hotmail.com
Pulmonary Pharmacology & Therapeutics
|November 27, 2004
Summary
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients experience heightened cough reflex sensitivity, independent of airflow obstruction. Current treatments for COPD cough are lacking, necessitating further research into mechanisms and patient impact.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Respiratory Physiology
Background:
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is characterized by cough, phlegm, and breathlessness.
- Patients with COPD exhibit heightened cough reflex sensitivity, comparable to asthma patients.
- Airflow obstruction severity does not correlate with cough reflex sensitivity or objective cough counts in COPD.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the characteristics of cough reflex sensitivity in patients with COPD.
- To explore the relationship between cough and airflow obstruction in COPD.
- To identify the need for improved understanding and treatment of cough in COPD.
Main Methods:
- Comparative analysis of cough reflex sensitivity between COPD patients, healthy volunteers, and asthma patients.
- Assessment of objective cough rates and subjective reporting of cough.
- Evaluation of the correlation between airflow obstruction and cough parameters.
Main Results:
- Cough reflex sensitivity is elevated in COPD patients.
- Objective cough rates in COPD appear low despite frequent patient complaints.
- Cough's contribution to perceived disability in COPD seems minimal.
Conclusions:
- Cough in COPD may involve mechanisms independent of airflow obstruction.
- Effective treatments for cough in COPD remain elusive.
- Further research is needed on cough outcome measures, mechanisms, and patient-reported importance to advance COPD management.