Airway Mucus Plugs in Patients with Chronic Cough: A Single-Center Observational Study.

BACKGROUND

This study investigated the prevalence of mucus plugs and their clinical associations in patients with chronic cough.

METHODS

Chest computed tomography (CT) scans were evaluated in patients with chronic cough and healthy controls.

RESULTS

Among 82 patients with chronic cough and 71 controls, mucus plugs were identified in 31.7% and 5.6%, respectively. Higher mucus plug scores were associated with older age, elevated fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO), and lower total Cough Hypersensitivity Questionnaire (CHQ) scores (all P < 0.05). Regression analysis revealed associations with higher FeNO and lower total CHQ scores (Model 1: R2 = 0.396, P < 0.001), and with higher immunoglobulin (Ig) E levels (Model 2: R2 = 0.388, P < 0.001). Mucus plug scores did not differ by 1-month treatment response.

CONCLUSIONS

Mucus plugs were prevalent in chronic cough and associated with type 2 airway inflammation. Their clinical significance warrants further investigation.