Gibson P, Wang G, McGarvey L, et al. Treatment of unexplained chronic cough: CHEST guideline and expert panel report. Chest; 2016:149:27-44. This new guideline aims to clarify the best evidence for assessment and treatment of unexplained chronic cough (UCC). It highlights the significant morbidity of the condition and the limited evidence available to guide management.
Vertigan AE, Kapela SL, Ryan NM, et al. Pregabalin and speech pathology combination therapy for refractory chronic cough: a randomized controlled trial. CHEST. 2016; 149:639-48. This RCT of speech therapy with or without pregabalin in 40 patients with chronic refractory cough found improved cough severity, frequency, and quality of life in both groups. However cough severity and quality of life were significantly better in the combined treatment group. The small sample size and stringent eligibility criteria may limit the generalizability of these findings.
Chamberlain Mitchell, Garrod R, Clark L, et al. Physiotherapy, and speech and language therapy intervention for patients with refractory chronic cough: a multicentre randomised control trial. Thorax. 2017; 72:129-136. Randomized controlled trial of combined physiotherapy, speech and language therapy in 34 patients with refractory chronic cough. Treatment group was found to have reduced cough frequency and improved health related quality of life. This trial highlights the potential benefit of non pharmacologic therapy for refractory chronic cough.
