Simple guide for the assessment and management of chronic cough in primary care (in adults)

Chronic cough in adults is defined as a cough lasting longer than 8 weeks. It is a common reason for primary care consultations and may become a long-term condition in its own right, driven by cough hypersensitivity and multiple treatable traits. Many patients experience repeated healthcare visits before receiving effective treatment. For those with refractory chronic cough (RCC), the mean delay to diagnosis is approximately 8 years.

Primary care plays a central role in the early identification, investigation and management of chronic cough. A structured approach can improve patient outcomes, reduce variation in care, avoid unnecessary referrals and support the timely detection of serious disease.

This simple guide provides information and guidance on the management of chronic cough  in primary and includes top tips which give users easy, 'quick wins' for improving management of this condition which is often complex and multifactorial. It outlines new and existing national guidance and pathways which can be used to deliver effective, evidence-based and timely care. 

Acknowledgements

We are grateful to the Health Innovation Network, Oxford (HIN) for the provision of an education grant to support the production of this resource as part of the Elective Care Respiratory Pathways programme.