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Updated: Jun 5, 2026

Establishment of a Mouse Model with Cough Hypersensitivity via Inhalation of Citric Acid
Published on: January 10, 2025
Cough hypersensitivity syndrome: a distinct clinical entity
A H Morice1, S Faruqi, C E Wright
1Cardiovascular and Respiratory Studies, Castle Hill Hospital, Hull York Medical School, University of Hull, Castle Road, Cottingham, East Yorkshire HU16 5JQ, UK.
The Hull Airway Reflux Questionnaire (HARQ) effectively identifies cough hypersensitivity syndrome, a unified cause for chronic cough. This validated tool aids in diagnosing this common respiratory condition.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonology
- Clinical Diagnostics
- Psychometrics
Background:
- Chronic cough is often attributed to a single condition: cough hypersensitivity syndrome.
- A validated questionnaire is needed to identify and diagnose this syndrome.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the validation of the Hull Airway Reflux Questionnaire (HARQ).
- To establish HARQ as a diagnostic instrument for cough hypersensitivity syndrome.
Main Methods:
- Iterative development and validation of the 14-item HARQ.
- Administered HARQ to 185 chronic cough patients and 70 healthy volunteers.
- Assessed construct validity, criterion validity, repeatability, and responsiveness to treatment.
Main Results:
- HARQ demonstrated high sensitivity (94%) and specificity (95%) in distinguishing patients from controls (AUC 0.99).
- The questionnaire showed excellent internal consistency, repeatability, and responsiveness to treatment.
- Minimum clinically significant change was determined to be 16 points.
Conclusions:
- The HARQ is a valid, reproducible, and responsive diagnostic instrument.
- Supports the concept of chronic cough as a single entity: cough hypersensitivity syndrome.
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