1. Characteristics, demographics, and epidemiology of possible chronic cough in Sweden: A nationwide register-based cohort study.
- Author
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Walz, Lotta, Illergård, Kristoffer, Arpegård, Johannes, Dorbesi, Cristian, Johansson, Henrik, and Ingi Emilsson, Össur
- Subjects
CHRONIC cough ,MEDICAL care ,EPIDEMIOLOGY ,COUGH ,COHORT analysis - Abstract
Aim: To show clinical characteristics, treatments, and comorbidities in chronic cough in a nationwide cohort. Methods: Two cohorts were created. A national cohort with individuals from two population-based databases; the National Patient Register and Swedish Prescribed Drug Register. Secondly, a regional cohort including primary care data. Adults with at least one cough diagnosis (ICD-10 R05) and/or individuals with ≥2 dispensed prescriptions for relevant cough-medication within the inclusion period, 2016–2018, were identified. Individuals on medications which may instigate cough or suggest acute infection or diagnosed with conditions where cough is a cardinal symptom, were excluded. Those remaining were defined as having possible refractory or unexplained chronic cough (RCC/UCC). Results: Altogether 62,963 individuals were identified with possible RCC/UCC, giving a national prevalence of about 1%. Mean age was 56 years and 60% were females. Many (44%) of the individuals with possible RCC/UCC visited cough relevant specialist clinics during the study period, but less than 20% received a cough diagnosis. A majority (63%) had evidence of RCC/UCC in the 10 years prior to inclusion in the study. In the regional cohort, including primary care data, the prevalence of RCC/UCC was doubled (2%). Cough medicines were mainly prescribed by primary care physicians (82%). Conclusion: Most individuals with possible RCC/UCC sought medical care in primary care, and had a long history of cough, with various treatments tried, indicating a substantial burden of the condition. Referrals to specialist care were very rare. The results underline the need for a structured multidisciplinary approach and future therapeutic options. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2024
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