[New ICD-10 code for refractory and unexplained chronic cough]

Chronic cough is a common disease, causing distress and impaired quality of life [2]. In the Western world, cough is the most common reason for seeking medical attention [3]. The prevalence of chronic cough is about 10 percent in the adult population but of course hides several subgroups, and the numbers vary greatly [1]. A subgroup of chronic cough is Refractory Chronic Cough (RCC) or Unexplained Chronic Cough (UCC) where no »certain« underlying medical explanation can be found. Until January 2023, the diagnosis of chronic, refractory cough is not included in the ICD-10 codes applied in Sweden. In September 2022, an announcement came from the Swedish National Board of Health and Welfare that from January 1 2023 »Chronic Cough« including refractory and unexplained chronic cough will get its own code under R05 also in Sweden: R05.7.