Smoking and cough syncope: follow-up in 45 cases

A follow-up review of 45 patients with cough syncope was performed to ascertain the effect of therapy in relieving symptoms. These patients constituted 2.5% of all Mayo Clinic patients evaluated over a 3-year period for syncope. Cough syncope patients were predominantly male (43:2), the average weight was 96.1 kg, and the average age was 53.2 years. Eighty-two percent were current or ex-smokers at the time of the initial evaluation and 86% of those having pulmonary function tests demonstrated findings consistent with obstructive lung disease. Treatment was determined by their primary physician and, in general, was aimed at decreasing the cough. Cough-related symptoms were abolished or improved in 97% of patients. Smoking cessation was closely associated with decreased symptoms. Although felt by both patient and physician to be a benign disorder, cough syncope can result in severe bodily injury. Patients with a vigorous cough, especially smokers, should be questioned thoroughly about cough syncope. Treatment of cough is effective in relieving symptoms.