Characterization and clinical outcomes of outpatients with subacute or chronic post COVID-19 cough: a real-world study

Background: Limited research exists on the features and management of post-COVID cough. This real-world study investigates outpatients with subacute or chronic post-COVID cough, aiming to delineate characteristics and regimen responses within the population. Method: We enrolled eligible patients from our outpatient unit between August 2023 and February 2024. Comprehensive clinical data, prescriptions, and patient-reported cough severity were collected during the primary visit and subsequent follow-ups. Result: A total of 141 patients, aged: 42 +/- 14 years old, were included, with 70% being female. The median cough duration was 8 weeks (interquartile range 4-12 weeks). Sixty percent presented with a dry cough, while the rest had coughs with phlegm. Over half reported abnormal laryngeal sensations (54%). Twenty-one percent coughed during the day, while 32% coughed constantly, and 48% experienced nocturnal episodes. Compound methoxyphenamine capsules were the most prescribed, but our study found ICS/LABA to be the most effective, followed by compound methoxyphenamine capsules, montelukast, and Chinese patent drugs. Conclusion: Females exhibit a higher prevalence of post-COVID cough, and our study recommends ICS/LABA as the preferred treatment. These findings warrant validation through larger, prospectively designed studies.