#1002 Chronic Cough in the Adult Population (15 Credits/Hours)

(15 Credits/Hours)

Launch Date: August 5, 2025
Expires: August 31, 2027

Course Overview

Chronic cough is a prevalent and often debilitating condition, affecting a significant portion of the adult population. Characterized by a cough lasting longer than eight weeks, it is frequently resistant to initial treatments and can persist for years. Despite repeated clinical evaluations, many patients continue to suffer without a clear diagnosis or effective therapeutic plan. Modern research has identified that hypersensitivity of the vagal afferent neurons—both in the airway and in central nervous system projections—plays a central role in chronic cough, regardless of the initial cause or any concurrent conditions. This physiological shift redefines chronic cough as a distinct clinical entity rather than a mere symptom of another disorder. Recognizing this distinction is essential for clinicians in selecting appropriate diagnostic and therapeutic strategies (Source: National Institutes of Health).

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Background
3. Cough Severity Measures
4. Epidemiology
5. Patient Impact of Chronic Cough
6. Natural History and Disease Course
7. Pathophysiology of Chronic Cough
8. Initial Evaluation of Chronic Cough
9. Identification and Management of Underlying Etiologies
10. Treatment
11. Treatment of Refractory Chronic Cough
12. Conclusion
13. Works Cited
14. Evidence-Based Practice Recommendations

Learning Objectives
Upon completion of this course, you will be able to:

• Define and explain chronic cough, including associated terminology and clinical definitions.
• Assess and apply standardized measures for evaluating cough severity.
• Describe the prevalence, demographics, and risk factors related to chronic cough.
• Analyze the multifaceted impact of chronic cough on physical, psychological, and social well-being.
• Outline the natural progression and long-term implications of chronic cough in adults.
• Explain the neurophysiological mechanisms underlying chronic cough.
• Conduct a structured clinical evaluation of patients presenting with chronic cough.
• Identify and manage common and uncommon causes of chronic cough, including respiratory and gastrointestinal etiologies.
• Compare available treatment strategies for various forms of chronic cough, guided by clinical evidence.
• Evaluate management options for refractory chronic cough, including pharmacologic, non-pharmacologic, and investigational interventions.