만성기침에 대한 한국 알레르기 전문의들의 인식과 진료 실태: 설문조사

Abstract

Background: Chronic cough is a common but disabling respiratory symptom. While patients are frequently referred to allergists for the management of chronic cough, little is known about the perception and clinical practices of allergists on the management of chronic cough. Methods: We performed a questionnaire survey using e-mail and internet platform among the members of the Korean Academy of Asthma, Allergy and Clinical Immunology (n=823). The members were asked to answer the questions regarding the diagnosis and treatment of chronic cough. Results: Questionnaires were completed and returned from 154subjects (18.7%). There was a heterogeneity in the definitions (durations) of chronic cough, and only 62 subjects (40.3%) defined chronic cough when cough lasted more than 8 weeks. Most subjects (n=131, 85.1%) felt the need for Korean guidelines on chronic cough, while only 89 subjects (57.8%) used the other guidelines in their practice. Various diagnostic tests were used for the evaluations of chronic cough, and chest radiography,paranasal sinus radiography and spirometry were the most frequently performed for the management. Upper airway cough syndrome was perceived as the most common cause of chronic cough, followed by asthma, postinfectious cough and gastroesophageal reflux disease/laryngopharyngeal reflux. Moreover, treatment patterns of these most common clinical conditions differ among studied subjects. Conclusion: There were diverse patterns in the diagnosis and treatment of chronic cough among Korean allergists. Our results could assist in establishing guidelines and health policy on chronic cough management.