A critical clinical update on the management of a common symptom will help doctors treating patients with cough to highlight red flags and zero in on targeted treatment plans; and is fully supported by Lung Foundation Australia.
A summary of the Cough in Children and Adults: Diagnosis, Assessment and Management (CICADA) Position Statement has now been published in the Medical Journal of Australia and marks the first time it has been updated in over a decade.
Lung Foundation Australia General Manager Consumer Programs and Partnerships Harry Patsamanis said persistent cough was a common symptom leading to medical consultation.
“Chronic cough results in significant health care costs, impairs quality of life, and may indicate the presence of a serious underlying condition; and we know children and First Nations people are particularly at risk,” Mr Patsamanis said.
Co-lead of the statement writing group and Assoc Professor Respiratory Paediatrics at Queensland University of Technology Julie Marchant said as cough is one of the most common symptoms leading to medical consultation, it was vital doctors have up to date information.
“Some of the key changes in the long awaited update are the use of algorithmic pathways for the diagnosis and management of chronic cough in both adults and children, including a list of red flags which can point to a significant underlying or serious cause; which has been proven to improve clinical outcomes,” A/Prof Marchant said.
Fellow writing lead Prof Peter Wark Director of Cystic Fibrosis Alfred Health said the field of chronic cough had evolved considerably since the last guidelines were written.
“While many of the red flags for serious disease remain there is clearer evidence to support the diagnosis and treatment of protracted bacterial bronchitis, an important cause of “wet cough” in children, and in adults we have extensively revised the approach to diagnosis and the investigation of chronic diseases associated with chronic cough,” Prof Wark said.
Mr Patsamanis said the algorithms and other training resources for the management of chronic cough were available on the Lung Foundation Australia website, as well as the updated CICADA position statement in full.
“Some of the other important updates include information on how early and effective treatment of chronic cough in children is critical, and advice that if not resolved the patient should be referred to a respiratory specialist or cough clinic,” he said.
“It also recommends culturally specific strategies for facilitating the management of chronic cough in First Nations populations should be adopted.”
Lung Foundation Australia’s clinical algorithms and chronic cough resources, full CICADA statement and a link to the Medical Journal of Australia summary are listed below:
Chronic Cough – Lung Foundation Australia
CICADA Full Position Statement – Lung Foundation Australia
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For media enquiries please contact:
Lung Foundation Australia Media and Communications Specialist
Anna Hilton
0408 191 192
annah@lungfoundation.com.au