Understanding the Challenges of Refractory Chronic Cough: Insights from a Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Survey of US Healthcare Professionals

Introduction

Refractory chronic cough (RCC) is a disease identified in a subset of people who experience chronic cough (CC, defined in adults as a cough lasting > 8 weeks) despite adequate treatment for known cough-related etiologies. RCC can be profoundly burdensome and patients may seek care from different healthcare professional (HCP) specialties; however, existing HCP care pathways are complicated and treatment options limited. To understand current real-world practices in the USA, we surveyed seven types of HCPs involved in care of patients with CC and RCC, and reported their knowledge, attitudes, and practices.