CHEST Guidelines-Somatic-Cough-Syndrome-(Previously-Referred-to-as- (1)

Somatic-Cough-Syndrome-(Previously-Referred-to-as- (1)

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The CHEST Guideline and Expert Panel Report from July 2015 addresses the management of somatic cough syndrome and tic cough, formerly known as psychogenic and habit cough, in adults and children. This update compared to the 2006 guidelines removes outdated terms to align with contemporary understanding and diagnostic frameworks, such as those found in the DSM-5.<br /><br />A systematic review revealed low-quality evidence concerning the definition, diagnosis, and treatment of these cough types, lacking validated diagnostic criteria. The report recommends abandoning the terms "psychogenic cough" and "habit cough," suggesting "somatic cough syndrome" and "tic cough" as more appropriate identifiers. This terminology change reflects a move to encompass broader psychological and neurological understandings of these conditions, framed within the DSM-5 classification of mental disorders.<br /><br />Key recommendations include avoiding the use of nighttime cough presence or depression/anxiety as diagnostic criteria for these cough disorders. Instead, they suggest that such symptoms may coincide with a chronic, troublesome untreated cough rather than directly indicating a psychogenic cause.<br /><br />For treatment, the committee suggests low-quality evidence supports the use of non-pharmacologic therapies, like suggestion therapy, hypnosis, or psychological intervention, particularly for children diagnosed with somatic cough syndrome. There is a call for future research, emphasizing the need for standardized observational studies and potential pharmacologic study trials to better define and manage these cough disorders.<br /><br />Overall, the guideline emphasizes a cautious but progressive approach to diagnosing and treating chronic unexplained coughs, aligning terminology and management strategies with modern psychological and medical frameworks to improve patient outcomes.

Keywords

somatic cough syndrome

tic cough

CHEST Guideline

DSM-5

psychogenic cough

habit cough

non-pharmacologic therapies

suggestion therapy

psychological intervention

chronic cough management