Addressing the Burden of Chronic Cough: A Primary Care Primer to Proper Work-up and Management

Addressing the Burden of Chronic Cough: A Primary Care Primer to Proper Work-up and Management is organized by Vemco MedEd, LLC.,,Release Date: Nov 01, 2022,Expiration Date: Nov 01, 2023,,Educational Overview :,Chronic cough is associated with increased healthcare utilization as patients typically undergo multiple provider visits, diagnostic testing, and treatment. Patients with chronic cough have diminished quality of life as they experience depression, fatigue, sleep deprivation, stress incontinence, fear of social gatherings, and annoyance with the patients’ support systems. A major challenge in the management of chronic cough is the lack of effective medications that specifically target the cough reflex. With a greater understanding of cough physiology and cough hypersensitivity syndrome, there is a need for safe and effective treatment options that specifically target this condition to help improve patient quality of life. Primary care providers (PCPs) are in an ideal position to help minimize the burden of chronic cough. As front-line healthcare providers, PCPs are most likely to be involved in the initial evaluation and work-up of chronic cough patients and will guide initial management approaches, whether this involves pharmacologic therapy or referral. PCPs can help counsel and educate patients about various etiologies of chronic cough and approaches to prevention and management. This activity reviews the latest recommendations in the work-up and management of chronic cough in primary care and emphasizes the need for PCPs to appreciate the burden of chronic cough on patient lives and the need to offer counseling and education to these patients about the condition.,,Learning Objectives :,• Recognize the burden of chronic cough on the patient and healthcare systems,• Describe the recommended approaches in the initial evaluation and work-up of patients with a chronic cough to make a differential diagnosis,• Review the current management approaches for chronic cough and how an improved understanding of cough hypersensitivity syndrome can address unmet needs