The Research Roundup

New cough science publications vetted and collected in one place

1. How are respiratory specialist HCPs in the UK diagnosing and managing chronic cough?

‍Key Takeaway: 83% of respondents consider RCC/UCC to be a disease in itself - yet regarding management, one-third of respondents have never read a guideline, and 92% are seeking further education.

‍Why It Matters: The concept of RCC/UCC being a disease in its own right has only recently gained acceptance, but it is a view now widely held. Yet the approach to RCC/UCC, including diagnosis and pharmacotherapy, still varies significantly, within this UK-based study and between the UK and other countries where similar studies have been carried out.  

‍Read publication.

2. Can common triggers and sensations be found amongst patients with cough hypersensitivity?

‍Key Takeaway: In a qualitative study of the sensations and triggers experienced by patients with chronic cough, all patients reported hypertussia (e.g. smoke as trigger) and allotussia (e.g. talking as trigger), suggesting underlying neuropathology. 

‍Why It Matters: Though the study featured just 10 pts, it improves our understanding of cough hypersensitivity from a patient’s perspective, which may help inform PROs. The identification of commonly experienced triggers and sensations may also inform the evolution of Behavioral Cough Suppression Therapy techniques. 

‍Read Publication.

3. Systematic literature review of treatments used for refractory or unexplained chronic cough in adults

‍Key Takeaways: This systematic literature review of 19 clinical trials of drugs for RCC/UCC found a high degree of heterogeneity in their design; from disease definitions, to inclusion/exclusion criteria, to outcomes measures.  Whilst 13 assessed cough frequency (with the Leicester Cough Monitor being the most common tool), only 9 trials reported cough severity.

‍Why it matters: The study highlights the critical lack of approved therapies for UCC/ RCC and the significant variation in trial designs, populations, and outcomes. It underscores the need for more standardized and rigorous research in this area​ as well as the opportunity for novel approaches/ treatments.

‍Read Publication

Plus

• The potential of vocal signatures of COVID-19 in cough sounds for diagnosis (read more)
• Cough can be a predictor for prolonged hospital stays and in-hospital mortality amongst patients 1-24 months with bronchiolitis (read more)
• A case report showing how stabbing headache can be associated with Valsalva maneuvers, such as coughing and sneezing (read more)

‍

Deep Dive with Researchers

Exploring the Possibilities of Longitudinal Cough Data

Q&A with Dr Jane Reynolds, Speech Language Pathologist, and Assistant Professor and co-director of the Voice Outcomes and Inquiries in Cough and Essentials of Swallowing (VOICES) lab at University of Montana in Missoula, Montana, USA.

‍“Most cough treatment research relies on self-reported questionnaires and while these provide valuable information, pairing these measures with cough frequency monitoring helps to tell a richer story about treatment response.[..] We hypothesize that patients who complete iBCST will see a meaningful reduction in [..] cough rates.”

Dr Reynolds spoke with us about her passion for Behavioral Cough Suppression Therapy (BCST), a non-pharmacologic treatment for patients with Refractory Chronic Cough. Her research aims to increase access to the impressive results achievable via BCST, by delivering BCST online. 

Read the full Q&A here.

Cough Science Events Ahead

1. Cough Science Forum: Join the next Cough Science Forum for the latest breakthroughs in cough science on the 22nd of May.

🕜Time: 3.30PM UTC / 11.30AM EDT / 5:30PM CEST

🔗 Register Now

‍

2. British Association for Lung Research 2024 - Join top respiratory scientists in the UK for 3 days of scientific exchange about lung health, from 22nd to 24th of April.