Reframing Refractory Chronic Cough: The Role of Interoception

Refractory chronic cough (RCC) remains a persistent clinical challenge, often resistant to traditional treatments. Emerging evidence now positions RCC as a disorder rooted in hypersensitivity, driven primarily by central neural processes rather than external physiological causes. Central to this understanding is the concept of interoception-the brain's ability to perceive and interpret internal bodily signals. Neuroimaging research has identified abnormalities in brain regions associated with interoception and inhibitory control among RCC patients. Interestingly, RCC shares neurophysiological characteristics with other disorders like overactive bladder and urinary urge incontinence (OAB/UUI), which also involve dysregulated interoceptive and inhibitory mechanisms. Behavioral treatments for OAB/UUI are highly effective and are regarded as the first-line treatment in many consensus guidelines. OAB/UUI behavioral treatments have been shown to induce central neuroplastic changes, further underscoring their efficacy and potential parallel for RCC interventions. Behavioral cough suppression therapy (BCST), an efficacious treatment for RCC, may leverage similar neuroplastic adaptations, enhancing interoceptive processing and inhibitory control. Given the multi-dimensional nature of interoception, which encompasses sensory perception shaped by learning, memory, and emotional context, BCST's engagement of multiple neural pathways offers an alternative therapeutic option compared to single-mechanism pharmacological treatments. Future research should prioritize exploring the mechanistic underpinnings of BCST and other interoception-based therapies for developing more comprehensive and effective treatment options. Such research holds promise for improving patient outcomes, alleviating the significant healthcare burden associated with RCC, and advancing our understanding of central hypersensitivity disorders.