%0 Journal Article
%T Characteristics, demographics, and epidemiology of possible chronic cough in Sweden: A nationwide register-based cohort study.
%A Walz L
%A Illergård K
%A Arpegård J
%A Dorbesi C
%A Johansson H
%A Ingi Emilsson Ö
%J PLoS One
%V 19
%N 7
%D 2024
%M 39047005
%F 3.752
%R 10.1371/journal.pone.0303804
%X <B>OBJECTIVE: </B>To show clinical characteristics, treatments, and comorbidities in chronic cough in a nationwide cohort.<BR><B>METHODS: </B>Two cohorts were created. A national cohort with individuals from two population-based databases; the National Patient Register and Swedish Prescribed Drug Register. Secondly, a regional cohort including primary care data. Adults with at least one cough diagnosis (ICD-10 R05) and/or individuals with ≥2 dispensed prescriptions for relevant cough-medication within the inclusion period, 2016-2018, were identified. Individuals on medications which may instigate cough or suggest acute infection or diagnosed with conditions where cough is a cardinal symptom, were excluded. Those remaining were defined as having possible refractory or unexplained chronic cough (RCC/UCC).<BR><B>RESULTS: </B>Altogether 62,963 individuals were identified with possible RCC/UCC, giving a national prevalence of about 1%. Mean age was 56 years and 60% were females. Many (44%) of the individuals with possible RCC/UCC visited cough relevant specialist clinics during the study period, but less than 20% received a cough diagnosis. A majority (63%) had evidence of RCC/UCC in the 10 years prior to inclusion in the study. In the regional cohort, including primary care data, the prevalence of RCC/UCC was doubled (2%). Cough medicines were mainly prescribed by primary care physicians (82%).<BR><B>CONCLUSIONS: </B>Most individuals with possible RCC/UCC sought medical care in primary care, and had a long history of cough, with various treatments tried, indicating a substantial burden of the condition. Referrals to specialist care were very rare. The results underline the need for a structured multidisciplinary approach and future therapeutic options.