The American Broncho‑Esophagological Association issued a consensus statement this month on the diagnosis and treatment of refractory chronic cough [1].
Standardizing the approach to this condition is critical because patients often undergo extensive, fragmented testing without finding relief. These guidelines aim to streamline care for those whose symptoms persist despite standard medical interventions.
Refractory chronic cough is defined as a cough that lasts longer than eight weeks [1], even after a patient has undergone a standard work-up and received therapy for common conditions [1]. This differs slightly from the broader definition of chronic cough, which is any cough lasting at least eight weeks [2].
Laryngologist Lee Akst said the statement as he began a one-year term as president of the association [1]. The guidance provides a framework for clinicians to identify and treat the condition more effectively within the U.S. healthcare system.
The clinical need for such standards is underscored by the prevalence of the condition. Chronic cough affects approximately five percent of the European population [2]. While the new consensus statement focuses on diagnostic protocols, other research continues to explore pharmacological interventions.
For example, a Phase 2 REACH trial examined the drug SC0023. The study found that daily treatment yielded an efficacy of 53.5% ± 19.2% relative to the baseline in the 24-hour cough rate [3]. By comparison, the placebo group in the same trial showed a reduction of 19.5% ± 6.2% [3].
These developments follow a period of increased international collaboration on respiratory health, including the fifth International Cough Conference held from Dec. 4-6, 2025, in Guangzhou, China [4].
“Refractory chronic cough is defined as cough persisting longer than eight weeks despite workup and treatment”
The issuance of a consensus statement by a professional body like the American Broncho‑Esophagological Association signals a shift toward a more structured, evidence-based approach to a condition that was previously managed with high variability. By establishing a clear definition and diagnostic pathway for refractory cases, the medical community can reduce unnecessary testing and accelerate the transition to specialized therapies.
