THE PRACTICE OF MANAGING CHRONIC COUGH

Abstract

This thesis focuses on chronic cough topics, in both the general population and those with chronic respiratory diseases. Study one consists of a systematic review in which the primary aim was to summarize the effect of non-pharmacological therapies on cough-specific quality of life in individuals with and without chronic respiratory diseases. For study two, we conducted a nationwide survey study, which was administered to healthcare providers working in pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) facilities. Given that education was a common component in non-pharmacological interventions, seen in study one, the overall goal of study two was to determine whether chronic cough is assessed and/or managed within PR, as education is also a foundational pillar in PR. The implications of this work seek to inform healthcare providers of alternative chronic cough management therapies, by bringing awareness to the importance of conducting formal cough assessment and management in PR.