Divergences in chronic cough management among healthcare professionals in Southern Italy: A comprehensive survey

INTRODUCTION Chronic cough (CC) presents a widespread and intricate challenge for diagnosis and treatment, revealing a significant lack of information on medical strategies. This study aims to gather insights from different practitioners in Southern Italy regarding their views and methodologies towards CC. METHODS The investigation engaged 102 medical practitioners from Southern Italy, encompassing 23 general practitioners, 30 pulmonologists, 25 allergologists, and 24 otolaryngologists. It examined their understanding, attitudes, and approaches towards managing CC, with an emphasis on diagnostic processes, treatment preferences, and adherence to guidelines. RESULTS The findings highlight distinct variations in the management of chronic cough among different medical specialists. Notably, otolaryngologists and pulmonologists tend to categorize chronic cough as lasting for more extended periods than allergists and general practitioners. Pulmonologists, in particular, are more prone to suggest chest X-rays for chronic cough patients, reflecting their focus on lung-related conditions. In terms of the primary causes of CC, allergists and pulmonologists often attribute it to asthma, general practitioners to gastro-esophageal reflux disease, and otolaryngologists to upper airways cough syndrome. Pulmonologists are also observed to have the most comprehensive awareness of the various conditions associated with coughing, which is likely due to their specialization in respiratory health. CONCLUSIONS The research underscores the necessity for enhanced education and standardized procedures among healthcare providers in Southern Italy for managing CC, highlighting the importance of interdisciplinary cooperation and customized treatment plans to improve the outcomes for patients with CC and guide future therapeutic strategies.