Chronic Cough Triggers Vary by Etiology and Are Only Partially Linked to Capsaicin Sensitivity

A comprehensive study has revealed the diverse profile of cough triggers in chronic cough patients and their limited correlation with capsaicin cough sensitivity.  
In a cross-sectional analysis of 1,211 patients with chronic cough, 91.4% reported experiencing at least one trigger. Chemical triggers were most prevalent (66.9%), followed by thermal exposure (50.6%), mechanical triggers (48.2%), and meal-related triggers (21.2%). 
While chemical triggers were consistent across different cough etiologies, meal and mechanical triggers were more common in refractory chronic cough, with meal triggers particularly associated with gastroesophageal reflux-related cough.  
Refractory chronic cough patients reported the highest prevalence of triggers (97.1%). Capsaicin challenge tests conducted on 254 participants showed a mild correlation between the number of triggers, particularly chemical ones, and capsaicin cough sensitivity. However, these findings suggest that cough hypersensitivity in chronic cough encompasses a broader spectrum of mechanisms beyond capsaicin sensitivity.  
The study highlights the need for personalized approaches in managing chronic cough, considering the varied triggers and their etiology-specific profiles.