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Chronic persistent cough in the community: a questionnaire survey
Caroline F Everett1, Jack A Kastelik, Rachel H Thompson
1Division of Cardiovascular and Respiratory Studies, University of Hull, Castle Hill Hospital, Cottingham, East Yorkshire, UK. cfeverett@yahoo.com
Cough (London, England)
|March 27, 2007
Summary
Chronic cough significantly impacts quality of life, causing widespread morbidity and high healthcare use. Despite numerous consultations, effective treatment remains uncommon for community-based chronic cough patients.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonology
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Chronic cough is a prevalent symptom associated with significant morbidity.
- Research on chronic cough is primarily from specialist clinics, with limited data on community prevalence.
- This study investigates the symptom complex of chronic cough in the general population.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the demography and symptomatology of chronic cough in the community.
- To assess the impact of chronic cough on physical, psychological, and social well-being.
- To evaluate healthcare utilization and treatment success rates for chronic cough in the community.
Main Methods:
- A postal questionnaire survey was distributed to individuals seeking information on chronic cough.
- Data collected included patient demographics, cough history, previous treatments, and associated physical, psychological, and social effects.
- 373 completed questionnaires were analyzed.
Main Results:
- The median duration of chronic cough was 6.5 years, with most patients being female and non-smokers.
- Commonly reported symptoms included breathlessness, fatigue, disturbed sleep, and psychological distress (anger, anxiety, depression).
- Despite high rates of general practitioner and specialist consultations, successful treatment was infrequent.
Conclusions:
- Chronic cough imposes a substantial burden of morbidity and drives high healthcare utilization in the community.
- Symptom profiles in the community resemble those in specialist centers, but treatment outcomes are poorer.
- Enhanced understanding and management strategies are crucial to improve outcomes for patients with chronic cough.
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