International Journal of Tropical Medicine
ISSN: Online 1818-779XISSN: Print 1816-3319
Abstract
To assess chronic persistent cough in the community. Two hundred eighty participants, aged 18‐60 years were enrolled in this study. A Likert scale with ratings ranging from 1 (never) to 5 (always) was used to extract information about the physical, psychological and social effects of the cough in addition to demographic facts, the history of the cough, prior treatments and smoking history. Out of 280 subjects, males were 130 and females were 150. Duration of cough was 1‐2 years in 102, 2‐5 years in 98 and >5 years in 80. Severity was moderate in 56, severe in 134 and very severe in 90. The diagnosis was cough in 175 and asthma in 105. Smoking history was positive in 138 and negative in 147. The common symptoms were breathlessness in 130, wheeze in 110, feeling tired or drained in 56, disturbed sleep in 74 and sore throat in 162. Psychological effects were anger or frustration in 195, depressed in 42, upset in 36 and worry in 74 subjects. Social effects included limited going to cinema seen in 125, to restaurants in 46 and shopping in 165. Treatment sought was nasal sprays in 76, asthma inhalers in 94, anti‐ histamines in 28, oral steroids in 60 and antibiotics in 22 subjects. The difference was significant (p<0.05). A common symptom in the general population is a chronic cough. People with chronic cough experience a significant degree of morbidity, which leads to a high rate of healthcare utilization on the part of those affected.
How to cite this article:
Gurshan Singh Gill. Assessment of Chronic Persistent Cough in the Community.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.36478/10.59218/makrjms.2024.2.94.97
URL: https://www.makhillpublications.co/view-article/1816-3319/10.59218/makrjms.2024.2.94.97