Chronic cough management: Practical guidelines and PICO-based evidence for treatment

Asian Pac J Allergy Immunol. 2024 Dec;42(4):318-332. doi: 10.12932/AP-191124-1974.

Abstract

This part reviews the management of chronic cough and proposes a management algorithm. Despite proven improvements in quality of life following chronic cough treatment, a clear understanding of the disease and the evidence for the efficacy of some treatments remain vague. Eight key questions regarding the treatment in the uncertain areas were systematically addressed based on the PICO framework and applying the GRADE system for evidence synthesis to provide the strength of recommendation and quality of evidence for key questions, with narrative components for the description of other chronic cough treatment including non-pharmacological therapy. Practical diagrams were developed to facilitate clinical decision-making on treatment. Our guideline introduces the concept of the cough management process for guiding practitioners to assess chronic cough using a holistic approach.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Algorithms
  • Chronic Cough
  • Chronic Disease
  • Cough* / diagnosis
  • Cough* / etiology
  • Cough* / therapy
  • Disease Management
  • Evidence-Based Medicine
  • Humans
  • Practice Guidelines as Topic
  • Quality of Life