High-quality evidence informs chronic cough guidelines

Results from the first multicentre randomised controlled trial on chronic cough in children led by our child health respiratory team were incorporated into the updated American College of Chest Physicians guideline (2016-17).

The NHMRC-funded trial found that managing children with chronic cough in accordance with a standardised algorithm improved clinical outcomes through improved quality of life and enhanced cough resolution.

“In children with cough lasting more than four weeks, wet and productive cough is common. Compared with the 2006 Cough Guidelines, our trial has provided high quality evidence for management of chronic wet cough in specialist settings,” explained Menzies’ lead respiratory researcher, Professor Anne Chang.

Data from the trial will also be incorporated into the 2017 National Guide to a Preventive Health Assessment for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.