Women Worse Affected By Chronic Cough

Latest research shows chronic cough affects women more severely than men and greatly impacts their quality of life.

Researchers from the University of Massachusetts Medical School, analyzed data from 116 women and 56 men seeking medical attention for chronic cough and a control group of 31 men and women smokers who were observed to be coughing but did not complain of cough.

The study shows significantly more women than men in the chronic cough group reported physical and extreme physical complaints, such as headache, painful breathing, and nausea. Women with chronic cough who seek medical treatment were more likely than their male counterparts to suffer from urinary incontinence and consequent feelings of embarrassment. In addition, women reported more psychosocial issues, such as family members unable to tolerate chronic cough and upset feelings by the response of others. In the control group of smokers, women also complained of urinary incontinence significantly more than men.

Researchers conclude saying, “Cough of any kind is not normal and is typically a sign that something is wrong with the patient. Chronic cough is most often caused by a postnasal drip syndrome from nose and sinus diseases, asthma, or gastroesophageal reflux disease.”