LEICESTER: Groundbreaking research led by the University of Leicester has revealed that chronic cough may have strong neurological origins, opening new doors for treatment. Conducted in collaboration with the University of Copenhagen and Queen Mary University of London, the study is the largest genetic investigation of chronic cough to date and was published in the European Respiratory Journal.
The study examined nearly 30,000 individuals suffering from chronic cough, drawing on data from major population health studies including the UK Biobank, EXCEED Study, Copenhagen Hospital Biobank, Genes & Health, and the eMERGE Network. It identified genes tied to neuronal signalling and sensory perception, suggesting that cough reflex hypersensitivity is driven by nervous system mechanisms.
Dr. Kayesha Coley, who led the research at the University of Leicester, said, “Our study represents a major step forward for understanding the biological mechanisms underlying the condition, and we hope it will inform future drug developments.”
One of the most striking revelations was the shared genetic basis between chronic cough and chronic pain, highlighting that both conditions might arise from similar neurological dysfunctions. This could pave the way for treatments that simultaneously address both ailments.
Chronic cough affects millions and can be deeply disruptive, often leading to fatigue, disturbed sleep, and social withdrawal. These new findings offer hope for those dealing with the condition and could guide future pharmaceutical innovations aimed at targeting the nervous system rather than just treating symptoms.
