Obstructive Sleep Apnoea and Chronic Cough
Author Information
Author(s): Birring Surinder S, Ing Alvin J, Chan Kevin, Cossa Gavina, Matos Sergio, Morgan Michael DL, Pavord Ian D
Hypothesis
Is obstructive sleep apnoea a cause of chronic cough in patients with unexplained cough?
Conclusion
The study found that all four patients with chronic cough improved rapidly with CPAP therapy for obstructive sleep apnoea.
Supporting Evidence
- All patients had a rapid improvement of cough with CPAP therapy.
- Obstructive sleep apnoea was not apparent at presentation in the patients.
- Patients experienced considerable physical and psychological morbidity due to chronic cough.
Takeaway
Some people who cough a lot might actually have a sleep problem called obstructive sleep apnoea, and using a special machine at night can help them stop coughing.
Methodology
The study involved case presentations of four patients with chronic cough who were diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnoea and treated with CPAP therapy.
Potential Biases
There may have been a lack of clinical suspicion for obstructive sleep apnoea at initial presentation, leading to delays in diagnosis.
Limitations
The study had a small sample size and relied on limited polysomnography and oximetry studies for diagnosis.
Participant Demographics
Patients included two males and two females aged between 46 and 73 years.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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