Physiotherapy, and speech and language therapy intervention for patients with refractory chronic cough: a multicentre randomised control trial.

Physiotherapy, and speech and language therapy are emerging non-pharmacological treatments for refractory chronic cough. We aimed to investigate the efficacy of a physiotherapy, and speech and language therapy intervention (PSALTI) to improve health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and to reduce cough frequency in patients with refractory chronic cough. In this multicentre randomised controlled trial, patients with refractory chronic cough were randomised to four weekly 1:1 sessions of either PSALTI consisting of education, laryngeal hygiene and hydration, cough suppression techniques, breathing exercises and psychoeducational counselling or control intervention consisting of healthy lifestyle advice. We assessed the change in HRQoL at week 4 with the Leicester Cough Questionnaire (LCQ). Secondary efficacy outcomes included 24-hour objective cough frequency (Leicester Cough Monitor) and cough reflex sensitivity. The primary analysis used an analysis of covariance adjusted for baseline measurements with the intention-to-treat population. This study was registered at UK Clinical Research Network (UKCRN ID 10678). Between December 2011 and April 2014, we randomly assigned 75 participants who underwent baseline assessment (34 PSALTI and 41 controls). In the observed case analysis, HRQoL (LCQ) improved on average by 1.53 (95% CI 0.21 to 2.85) points more in PSALTI group than with control (p=0.024). Cough frequency decreased by 41% (95% CI 36% to 95%) in PSALTI group relative to control (p=0.030). The improvements within the PSALTI group were sustained up to 3 months. There was no significant difference between groups in the concentration of capsaicin causing five or more coughs. Greater improvements in HRQoL and cough frequency were observed with PSALTI intervention. Our findings support the use of PSALTI for patients with refractory chronic cough. UKCRN ID 10678 and ISRCTN 73039760; Results.

Chamberlain Mitchell SA ，Garrod R ，Clark L ，Douiri A ，Parker SM ，Ellis J ，Fowler SJ ，Ludlow S ，Hull JH ，Chung KF ，Lee KK ，Bellas H ，Pandyan A ，Birring SS ... -  《-》

Speech and language therapy for management of chronic cough.

Slinger C ，Mehdi SB ，Milan SJ ，Dodd S ，Matthews J ，Vyas A ，Marsden PA ... -  《Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews》

Physiotherapy and Speech and Language therapy intervention for chronic cough.

There are few effective pharmacological therapies available to treat refractory chronic cough. Functional MRI studies of the brain have recently shown that patients with chronic cough have dysfunctional inhibitory control of cough. Self-management therapies delivered by physiotherapists or speech therapists are effective at suppressing cough. They enable patients to consciously suppress the urge to cough. The intervention consists of education, laryngeal hygiene, cough suppression and distraction measures and behaviour modification. The efficacy of Physiotherapy and Speech And Language Intervention (PSALTI) has been confirmed in two randomised control trials. In one trial, there was a 41% reduction in cough frequency with PSALTI, assessed objectively with the Leicester Cough Monitor, and a clinically significant improvement in quality of life. Importantly, the improvement in cough was sustained when therapy was discontinued. The addition of the Speech Pathology Treatment to neuromodulator drug therapy, Pregabalin has also been evaluated in a clinical trial. There was a clinically significant improvement in quality of life, and this was sustained when therapy was discontinued. The mechanism of action of PSALTI is not known and this should be investigated in future. Further studies are needed to identify the components of PSALTI that deliver the most benefit, and determine whether PSALTI is effective in cough associated with other chronic lung disorders.

Birring SS ，Floyd S ，Reilly CC ，Cho PSP ... -  《-》

Cough suppression therapy: does it work?

Cough suppression therapy (CST), also known as cough suppression physiotherapy and speech pathology management is a promising non-pharmacological therapeutic option for patients with refractory chronic cough. CST may consist of education, improving laryngeal hygiene and hydration, cough suppression techniques, breathing exercises and counselling. It is an out-patient therapy delivered in 2-4 sessions. There is evidence to support the efficacy of CST: a randomised controlled trial reported a significant reduction in cough symptoms and other studies have reported improved cough related quality of life, reduced cough reflex hypersensitivity and cough frequency. The mechanism of action of CST is not clear, but it has been shown to reduce cough reflex sensitivity, paradoxical vocal fold movement (PVFM) and extrathoracic hyperresponsiveness. Further research is needed to determine the optimal components of CST, the characteristics of patients in whom it is most effective and to increase the understanding of its mechanisms of action. The effectiveness of CST in other respiratory conditions such as asthma, pulmonary fibrosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and sarcoidosis should also be investigated.

Chamberlain S ，Garrod R ，Birring SS 《-》

Improvement in health status following cough-suppression physiotherapy for patients with chronic cough.

Patel AS ，Watkin G ，Willig B ，Mutalithas K ，Bellas H ，Garrod R ，Pavord ID ，Birring SS ... -  《-》