New cough science publications vetted and collected in one place
Can cough suppression therapy also improve swallowing symptoms?
Key Takeaway
This study evaluated patients with chronic refractory cough (CRC), with and without co-occurring oropharyngeal dysphagia (DYS), who underwent cough suppression therapy. After treatment, patients with both CRC and DYS showed significant improvement in self-reported swallowing severity, reaching levels comparable to those without DYS. Both groups also experienced similar reductions in cough severity.
Why It Matters
Many patients with CRC also experience swallowing difficulties, yet these symptoms are often addressed separately. This study suggests that cough suppression therapy may have dual benefits—improving both cough control and swallowing function—when there is no aspiration risk. It supports the use of cough suppression therapy as a more integrated approach to upper airway management.
Could targeting opioid receptors offer a safer path to cough relief?
Key Takeaway
This expert review explores the potential of dual-action drugs that activate kappa opioid receptors (KOR) while blocking mu opioid receptors (MOR) to treat chronic cough. A standout candidate is nalbuphine ER, which showed a 76% reduction in 24-hour cough frequency in a recent Phase 2 trial in patients with IPF-related cough, without the concerns linked to traditional opioids.
Why It Matters
Refractory chronic cough often resists standard treatment, and existing opioid-based therapies carry risks of sedation and dependency. This paper outlines how targeting opioid receptor pathways, both centrally and peripherally, could offer a new class of effective and safer antitussives, expanding options for patients with persistent cough.
Do we have the right tools to measure cough impact in children?
Key Takeaway
This systematic review identified only 14 studies over the past decade that assessed quality of life in children with chronic cough. Just one tool, the Child Cough-specific Quality of Life questionnaire (CC-QoL), was developed and validated specifically for this group. No studies reported culturally adapted tools, and most relied solely on parent reports, despite evidence that child and parent perceptions often differ.
Why It Matters
Chronic cough can significantly affect children’s wellbeing, but the lack of validated, child-focused and culturally sensitive assessment tools limits our ability to measure its true impact. More development in this area is urgently needed to support both research and care.
Plus:
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In this exclusive conversation, Hyfe’s Reid Moorsmith breaks down the science, strategy, and future of the first digital therapeutic for chronic cough. From behavioral therapy and real-time monitoring to clinical workflows and pharma partnerships, this is a must-watch for anyone working in digital health, respiratory care, or therapeutic innovation.
▶️ Watch the full interview HERE
Hyfe’s Peter Small, Tamsin Chislett and Mindaugas Galvosas will be at the 10th American Cough Conference on June 6-7. Peter will present an update on Hyfe at the session ‘Update on cough recording Devices’; Mindaugas will present ‘A prospective decentralized pilot study assessing a digital therapeutic feature inside CoughPro - for adults with RCC/UCC’. We’ll also have a Hyfe’s table showcasing the CoughMonitor Suite for clinical trials and the Digital Therapeutic (DTx) pipeline. Meet us at Hyfe’s table!
