Cough desensitization treatment for patients with refractory chronic cough: results of a second pilot randomized control trial.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to collect pilot efficacy data on a novel treatment for refractory chronic cough (RCC), which we call cough desensitization treatment (CDT).

Design And Methods: In this parallel cohort, sham-controlled, randomized controlled trial, 21 adults with RCC were randomly assigned to 12 sessions of either CDT (progressive doses of aerosolized capsaicin while behaviorally suppressing cough; n = 11) or a sham treatment (repeated exposure to aerosolized saline; n = 9). The Leicester Cough Questionnaire (LCQ) was the primary outcome measure.

Normative Values for the Leicester Cough Questionnaire in Healthy Individuals.

Introduction: The primary self-assessment questionnaire used for patients with chronic cough is the Leicester Cough Questionnaire (LCQ). The LCQ is a validated questionnaire that ranges in total score from 3 to 21. While it is known that a higher score on the LCQ reflects a better quality of life, normative data have not been reported for this questionnaire.

Evaluation and Management Outcomes and Burdens in Patients with Refractory Chronic Cough Referred for Behavioral Cough Suppression Therapy.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the typical symptoms and medical management characteristics of adult patients with refractory chronic cough (RCC) who are referred to speech-language pathology (SLP) for behavioral cough suppression therapy (BCST) in order to estimate cost-effectiveness and efficiency of current practice patterns for this population.

Methods: One hundred sixty-four (164) patients with RCC referred for BCST were surveyed. Patients completed an initial survey at BCST onset related to symptom pattern and prior treatment, including the Leicester Cough Questionnaire (LCQ).

Altering cough reflex sensitivity with aerosolized capsaicin paired with behavioral cough suppression: a proof-of-concept study.

Background: The purpose of this prospective, quasi-experimental, single cohort proof-of-concept study was to determine feasibility and proof-of-concept of programmatically decreasing cough sensitivity through use of cough suppression strategies following inhalation of aerosolized capsaicin, in gradually increasing doses, across repeated treatment sessions.

Methods: Five healthy adults, ages 20-32 years of age, enrolled and completed the study. The study commenced in three phases.