Diagnosis and treatment of adult patients with cough.

Abstract

This is the 4th edition of the S2k cough Guideline (based on a structured consensus among a representative committee) of the German Respiratory Society (DGP) for specialists, written by respiratory, internal medicine, allergy, ear-nose-throat, gastroenterology specialists, speech therapists and physiotherapists - accredited by their respective scientific societies. Importantly, a patient representative was also involved. The Guideline was coordinated under the guidance of a representative from AWMF (Association of the Scientific Medical Societies in Germany). With regard to specific questions, we intend to supplement the cough guideline of the German Society of General and Family Medicine (DEGAM). Compared to the earlier versions 1-3 of the DGP cough guideline, which had the character of a monograph, the concept of this guidelines is completely new. In a modified Delphi process, the authors developed 12 key questions; they were answered in the guideline conference and the recommendations were graded strong), weak or insufficient on the basis of the available evidence. A brief scientific background to the respective questions was then compiled by expert groups of authors. In some cases, new diagnostic algorithms were created for acute, subacute and chronic cough. The significantly reduced scope and improved overview make the guideline easier to use in daily practice. It has also been incorporated into the Leila Pro smartphone Application and can be accessed using its convenient functions (see https://www.leila.de/de/).