Cough: A Reflex That Disrupts Interpersonal Communication
Journal of Craniofacial Surgery, vol.37, no.5, pp.1393-1395, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
- Publication Type: Article / Abstract
- Volume: 37 Issue: 5
- Publication Date: 2026
- Doi Number: 10.1097/scs.0000000000011632
- Journal Name: Journal of Craniofacial Surgery
- Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, MEDLINE
- Page Numbers: pp.1393-1395
- Keywords: Chronic cough, Communicative Competence Scale, Leicester Cough Questionnaire, quality of life
- Eskisehir Osmangazi University Affiliated: Yes
Abstract
Objectives: The present study investigated the impact of chronic cough on the communication skills of patients. Methods: Two hundred adult patients with chronic cough (group 1, study group) and 196 healthy adult subjects without cough (group 2, control) were included in the study. The Leicester Cough Questionnaire (LCQ) and Communicative Competence Scale (CCS) were administered to both groups. Results: Leicester Cough Questionnaire scores for the chronic cough group were significantly lower than those of the control group (P < 0.000). Since higher scores indicate better QoL, Group 1's QoLs were worse than those of the control group. The Communicative Competence Scale (CCS) scores for the chronic cough group were also significantly lower than those of the control group (P < 0.000). Conclusion: The authors' results indicate that chronic cough is associated with lower communication values and a poorer quality of life (QoL) for patients. Chronic cough can lead to a decrease in communication skills, potentially resulting in social problems. A decline in quality of life (QoL) is also observed in these patients. Therefore, timely and effective treatment of the cough is essential.