Everett Caroline F, Kastelik Jack A, Thompson Rachel H, Morice Alyn H
Division of Cardiovascular and Respiratory Studies, University of Hull, Castle Hill Hospital, Cottingham, East Yorkshire, UK.
Cough. 2007 Mar 23;3:5. doi: 10.1186/1745-9974-3-5.
Chronic cough is a common symptom which causes significant levels of morbidity. It is becoming increasingly well characterised by research taking place in specialist cough clinics, where successful treatment rates are high. However, there is a paucity of data regarding the symptom complex of chronic cough in the community. This report details the results of a postal questionnaire survey sent to individuals requesting further information on chronic cough.
856 chronic cough questionnaires were sent out to members of the public who requested an information sheet following a national UK radio broadcast. Information regarding demography, history of cough, previous treatment and physical, psychological and social effects of the cough was elicited.
373 completed questionnaires were returned. Mean age was 65.3 years (SD 12.0, range 9-88 years). 73% were female and 2% current smokers. Median duration of cough was 6.5 years. 66% had no other coexisting respiratory diagnosis, whilst 24% reported asthma. Of those who responded, 91% had consulted a general practitioner regarding the cough and of them, 85% had been prescribed some sort of treatment. 61% had seen at least one hospital specialist. Commonly reported associated physical symptoms included breathlessness (55%), wheeze (37%), fatigue (72%) and disturbed sleep (70%). Incontinence occurred in 55% of women. Similarly, the majority reported psychological effects such as anger or frustration (83%), anxiety (69%) and depression (55%). 64% felt that the cough interfered with their social life.
Chronic cough causes a high level of morbidity in the community, which results in a correspondingly high rate of healthcare utilisation. Demography and symptomatology seems to be similar to that reported from specialist centres, but successful treatment of the cough was uncommon, despite a high number of medical consultations in both primary and secondary care. If understanding of this debilitating but eminently treatable condition is enhanced, management of chronic cough will improve and many patients will be helped.
慢性咳嗽是一种常见症状，会导致较高的发病率。在专业咳嗽诊所进行的研究对其特征的认识越来越深入，这些诊所的治疗成功率很高。然而，关于社区中慢性咳嗽症状复合体的数据却很匮乏。本报告详细介绍了一项邮寄问卷调查的结果，该调查向个人发送问卷以获取有关慢性咳嗽的更多信息。
在英国全国性广播电台播出后，向索要信息表的公众发送了856份慢性咳嗽问卷。收集了有关人口统计学、咳嗽病史、既往治疗以及咳嗽对身体、心理和社会影响的信息。
共收回373份完整问卷。平均年龄为65.3岁（标准差12.0，范围9 - 88岁）。73%为女性，2%为当前吸烟者。咳嗽的中位持续时间为6.5年。66%没有其他并存的呼吸道诊断，而24%报告患有哮喘。在做出回应的人中，91%就咳嗽咨询过全科医生，其中85%曾接受过某种治疗。61%至少看过一位医院专科医生。常见的相关身体症状包括呼吸急促（55%）、喘息（37%）、疲劳（72%）和睡眠障碍（70%）。55%的女性出现尿失禁。同样，大多数人报告了心理影响，如愤怒或沮丧（83%）、焦虑（69%）和抑郁（55%）。64%的人认为咳嗽干扰了他们的社交生活。
慢性咳嗽在社区中导致较高的发病率，相应地导致较高的医疗利用率。人口统计学和症状学似乎与专科中心报告的相似，但尽管在初级和二级医疗中进行了大量的医疗咨询，咳嗽的成功治疗并不常见。如果能加强对这种使人衰弱但极易治疗的疾病的认识，慢性咳嗽的管理将会改善，许多患者将得到帮助。
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