Guidelines for the management of chronic cough in adults. Endorsed by the French speaking society of respiratory diseases (Soci⠁et⠁e de Pneumologie de Langue Fran,caise, SPLF), the Soci⠁et⠁e Fran,caise d'Oto-Rhino- Laryngologie et de Chirurgie de la Face et du Cou (SFORL), the Soci⠁ete⠁ Fran,caise de Phoniatrie et de Laryngologie (SFPL), the Soci⠁et⠁e Nationale Fran,caise de Gastro-ent⠁erologie (SNFGE)

Patients with chronic cough experience a high alteration of quality of life. Moreover, chronic cough is a complex entity with numerous etiologies and treatments. In order to help clinicians involved in the management of patients with chronic cough, guidelines on chronic cough have been established by a group of French experts. These guidelines address the definitions of chronic cough and the initial management of patients with chronic cough. We present herein second-line tests that might be considered in patients with cough persistence despite initial management. Experts also propose a definition of unexplained or refractory chronic cough (URCC) in order to better identify patients whose cough persists despite optimal management. Finally, these guidelines address the pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions useful in URCC. Thus, amitryptilline, pregabalin, gabapentin or morphine combined with speech and/or physical therapy are a mainstay of treatment strategies in URCC. Other treatment options, such as P2 pound 3 antagonists, are being developed. (c) 2023 SPLF and Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.