Identifying Practice Gaps Among Otolaryngology Providers for the Treatment of Chronic Cough

OTO Open (05/15/24) Demirjian, Natalie L.; Lever, Austin; Yip, Helena

Differences in diagnosis and management practices of otolaryngology providers in caring for patients with unexplained chronic cough (UCC) were investigated in a survey of providers at a regional otolaryngology continuing education conference. For the study, 110 otolaryngology practitioners with experience in the diagnosis and treatment of treating chronic cough received a 12-item survey, and 40 participants underwent further analysis. No association was found between the frequency of identifying laryngeal hypersensitivity (LH) as a primary cause and use of neuromodulators, which have been recommended in guidelines with adjuvant speech therapy since 2015. Researchers did note a significant association between LH and speech therapy referrals, however. Practitioner experience did not appear to play a role, with no significant differences seen among survey responses based on length of practitioner experience, according to Fisher's exact test. "Our findings indicate that despite advancements in technology and increased access to information, implementation of CHEST guideline recommendations for the treatment of chronic cough remains slow," the researchers report. "Otolaryngologists managing patients with chronic cough may be underutilizing neuromodulators and speech therapy."

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