When Refractory Is Not the End: Redefining Chronic Cough Through Tertiary Center Evaluation.
Sumera R Ahmad1, Vivek N Iyer1, Allison LeMahieu2
1Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN.
Mayo Clinic Proceedings. Innovations, Quality & Outcomes
|March 11, 2026
Summary
Refractory chronic cough (RCC) diagnosis and management require specialized attention. Further studies are needed to differentiate unexplained chronic cough from etiology-confirmed cases at dedicated clinics.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonology
- Clinical Medicine
Background:
- Refractory chronic cough (RCC) presents a diagnostic challenge.
- Effective management strategies for RCC are crucial for patient outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe clinical outcomes of refractory chronic cough diagnosis and management.
- To evaluate the diagnostic yield of a tertiary care chronic cough clinic.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study at a tertiary care chronic cough clinic.
- Screening of adult patients with cough > 8 weeks.
- Enrollment of 100 patients with research authorization and consent.
Main Results:
- Of 56 patients with refractory chronic cough, 35 (62%) had etiology-confirmed cough.
- 21 (37%) patients were diagnosed with unexplained chronic cough.
- Specialized centers aid in differentiating cough etiologies.
Conclusions:
- Refractory chronic cough necessitates focused diagnostic approaches.
- Therapeutic trials are essential for identifying unexplained chronic cough.
- Specialized chronic cough centers are vital for accurate diagnosis and management.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:27Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-IV: Assessement and Diagnostic Studies
3.3K
Assessing and diagnosing Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) involves a detailed approach that includes a comprehensive review of medical history, physical examination, and a variety of diagnostic tests. This thorough evaluation is essential to ensure an accurate diagnosis and guide effective management strategies.
Medical History
Medical History
3.3K
01:24Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
2.9K
COPD is defined as a heterogeneous lung condition marked by persistent respiratory symptoms such as dyspnea, cough, and sputum production, caused by abnormalities in the airways that cause airflow obstruction.
Smoking is a primary risk factor for COPD, with over 80% of patients having a history of it. Patients typically experience progressive dyspnea or labored breathing, frequent coughing, and recurrent pulmonary infections. Many eventually succumb to respiratory failure, characterized by...
Smoking is a primary risk factor for COPD, with over 80% of patients having a history of it. Patients typically experience progressive dyspnea or labored breathing, frequent coughing, and recurrent pulmonary infections. Many eventually succumb to respiratory failure, characterized by...
2.9K
01:20Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-I: Introduction
4.0K
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a long-lasting respiratory condition requiring continuous attention and care. It is a progressive lung disease that leads to breathing challenges due to airflow obstruction. It manifests as persistent respiratory symptoms and restricted airflow resulting from abnormalities in the airways and alveoli, usually due to long-term exposure to harmful particles or gases. COPD mainly consists of two primary conditions: emphysema and chronic bronchitis.
4.0K
01:29Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-V: Management
3.3K
Managing Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) involves a multifaceted approach to reduce symptoms, prevent exacerbations, improve overall health status, and slow disease progression. Key strategies include lifestyle modifications, pharmacotherapy, supportive therapies, and, in some cases, surgery. Here is an overview of the primary COPD management strategies:
Smoking Cessation
Smoking Cessation
3.3K
01:25Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-III: Symptoms and Complications.
4.0K
Understanding the variety of primary symptoms and systemic complications that characterize chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is crucial for healthcare professionals.
Symptoms of COPD can be classified as primary or systemic. Primary symptoms relate to reduced airflow, while systemic or extrapulmonary symptoms relate to COPD's broader impact on the body.
Primary Symptoms of COPD:
Symptoms of COPD can be classified as primary or systemic. Primary symptoms relate to reduced airflow, while systemic or extrapulmonary symptoms relate to COPD's broader impact on the body.
Primary Symptoms of COPD:
4.0K
01:30Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-V: Nursing Management
5.4K
Nursing management of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is crucial for providing thorough care and support to patients. Nurses play an integral role in this process through detailed assessment, careful planning, targeted interventions, and ongoing evaluation. Here's an overview of the critical steps in nursing management for COPD.
Assessment
Assessment
5.4K