Mann Jennifer M V, Holland Anne E, Goh Nicole S L, Khor Yet H
Department of Respiratory and Sleep Medicine, Austin Health, Melbourne, Australia.
The Institute for Breathing and Sleep, Melbourne, Australia.
ERJ Open Res. 2023 May 22;9(3). doi: 10.1183/23120541.00039-2023. eCollection 2023 May.
Chronic cough is a common symptom in patients with interstitial lung disease (ILD), negatively contributing to health-related quality of life. Despite this, there is limited information and understanding on the experience of this group of patients with chronic cough. This study aimed to explore the symptom experiences for chronic cough in patients with ILD to identify its characteristics and impacts.
A qualitative study using semi-structured telephone interviews was undertaken in 16 adults with a diagnosis of ILD of any type and severity. Patients were recruited from a quaternary referral centre in Melbourne, Australia. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and coded by two researchers using thematic analysis.
Patients (age range: 39-87 years, forced vital capacity: 53-107% predicted and diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide: 28-89% predicted) experienced a spectrum of cough severity and characteristics, including both dry and productive coughs. The impact of chronic cough included physical symptoms, social and emotional difficulties, and interference with work and vocational participation. Management strategies used to relieve cough included mucolytics, opiates, throat lozenges, warm drinks, pacing, breath control, relaxation exercises, movement, continuous positive airways pressure and supplemental oxygen. Patients expressed a need for further information and education regarding chronic cough, including its triggers and management.
This study highlights the experience and significance of chronic cough in patients with ILD. The nature and severity of chronic cough in patients with ILD appears to be more heterogeneous than previously described, with physical, social and emotional impacts contributing to symptom burden.
慢性咳嗽是间质性肺疾病（ILD）患者的常见症状，对健康相关生活质量有负面影响。尽管如此，对于这组慢性咳嗽患者的经历，相关信息和了解却很有限。本研究旨在探讨ILD患者慢性咳嗽的症状体验，以确定其特征和影响。
采用半结构式电话访谈对16名诊断为任何类型和严重程度ILD的成年人进行了定性研究。患者从澳大利亚墨尔本的一家四级转诊中心招募。访谈逐字记录，并由两名研究人员使用主题分析法进行编码。
患者（年龄范围：39 - 87岁，用力肺活量：预测值的53 - 107%，肺一氧化碳弥散量：预测值的28 - 89%）经历了一系列咳嗽严重程度和特征，包括干咳和咳痰。慢性咳嗽的影响包括身体症状、社交和情感困难，以及对工作和职业参与的干扰。用于缓解咳嗽的管理策略包括黏液溶解剂、阿片类药物、含片、热饮、调整节奏、呼吸控制、放松练习、运动、持续气道正压通气和补充氧气。患者表示需要关于慢性咳嗽的更多信息和教育，包括其触发因素和管理方法。
本研究强调了ILD患者慢性咳嗽的体验和重要性。ILD患者慢性咳嗽的性质和严重程度似乎比先前描述的更加异质性，身体、社交和情感方面的影响加重了症状负担。
