Characterization of urge to cough and cough symptoms associated with the common cold: results of a US internet survey

Objectives: Our knowledge of cough physiology is limited despite years of study. Even less is known about the sensation of urge to cough. Given that limited clinical data are available about urge to cough and cough attributes during a common cold, we sought to gain insights into experiences and perceptions related to these symptoms. Methods: An internet survey consisting of 51 questions was fielded in the United States. Eligible survey participants included men and women aged 18 years and older who had suffered from a cold with cough within the three months preceding the survey. Participants who confirmed suffering from recurrent cough, asthma, chronic bronchitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cystic fibrosis, or gastrointestinal reflux were excluded. Results: Of 19,530 initial respondents, 8011 had a cold in the past three months. Of these, 6484 (81%) had experienced cough symptoms; 2708 respondents with cough due to cold and no exclusionary condition made up the analysis sample. Most respondents (62%) reported that cough developed one to two days after the onset of cold symptoms, and 45% felt that cough worsened their other cold symptoms. In 69% of respondents, cough outlasted other cold symptoms. Urge to cough was reported by 98% of respondents, and among these respondents, 64% described it as uncontrollable and 65% rated severity as moderate. More than half of respondents (57%) considered the sensation of urge to cough and the act of coughing as equally bothersome. Although urge to cough and inability to control cough were the most bothersome aspects of cough due to cold, few (<20%) respondents asked healthcare providers for treatment recommendations. Conclusion: Symptoms of urge to cough and cough are common and have a significant impact on cold sufferers. Understanding attributes of these symptoms may provide insights for effective management and the development of novel treatment strategies.研究目的：尽管已有多年研究积累，但目前学界对咳嗽生理学的认知仍存在局限，而关于咳嗽欲（urge to cough）的感知机制则更是鲜有研究。鉴于当前针对普通感冒期间咳嗽欲与咳嗽特征的临床数据十分有限，本研究旨在探究此类症状相关的患者体验与认知情况。 研究方法：本研究于美国境内开展一项包含51个条目的网络问卷调查。合格参与者需满足：年龄18周岁及以上，且在调查前3个月内曾罹患伴有咳嗽症状的普通感冒。同时排除既往确诊存在反复咳嗽、哮喘、慢性支气管炎、慢性阻塞性肺疾病（chronic obstructive pulmonary disease）、囊性纤维化（cystic fibrosis）或胃肠道反流（gastrointestinal reflux）的受访者。 研究结果：初始参与调研的19530名受访者中，共有8011人在过去3个月内罹患过普通感冒。其中6484人（占比81%）曾出现咳嗽症状；最终纳入分析的样本为2708名因普通感冒引发咳嗽且无上述排除病症的受访者。多数受访者（62%）表示，咳嗽症状于感冒发作后1至2天出现；45%的受访者认为咳嗽加重了其他感冒相关不适。69%的受访者的咳嗽症状持续时长长于其他感冒症状。98%的受访者报告存在咳嗽欲，其中64%将其描述为难以自控，65%将咳嗽欲的严重程度评为中等。超过半数（57%）的受访者认为，咳嗽欲的不适感与咳嗽行为本身同样令人困扰。尽管咳嗽欲与无法控制咳嗽是普通感冒引发咳嗽最令人困扰的表现，但仅有不到20%的受访者向医疗服务人员咨询过治疗建议。 研究结论：咳嗽欲与咳嗽症状在普通感冒患者中十分常见，且对患者造成了显著的不良影响。深入了解此类症状的特征，可为制定有效的症状管理方案及开发新型治疗策略提供参考依据。