When cough seems everlasting, mortifying, and excruciating, it is high time to consult a physician as you might be stricken by chronic cough, which can be irritating and may also lead to nagging cough and a throbbing headache. Although chronic cough is not usually severe, it can be very annoying. Chronic Refractory Cough is typically non-productive, and there is often a previous history of viral respiratory tract infection. There can be ‘n’ number of factors responsible for such a condition. However, the lion’s share is caused by postnasal drip from sinus infections or allergies, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), or chronic lung conditions, such as asthma, chronic obstructive ­­­­­pulmonary disease (COPD), interstitial lung diseases, and pulmonary fibrosis.

As per the DelveInsight’s estimates, 9-12% of patients are affected by it, which impacts their day to day life extensively, as it may lead to social isolation, lack of sleep, and chronic fatigue. In 2017, the total Chronic Refractory Cough prevalent population in the 7MM was 17,350,084. Wherein 39,108,561 people were reportedly afflicted by the CRC in the United States. Moreover, it was also found that Chronic refractory cough prevalence was observed more in women than in men.

The Chronic refractory cough pathophysiology is complex and includes cough reflex sensitivity, central sensitization, peripheral sensitization, and paradoxical vocal fold movement. Viral infection can be a contributing factor, as in viral, a person may have constant cough and cold.

The CRC diagnosis is made when the main disease that causes chronic cough have been excluded or treated or when cough remains refractory to medical treatment. To decide the appropriate treatment, diagnostic tests, like lung function test, lab test, x-ray, CT-scan are performed. At the initial stage, medicines, like antihistamines, corticosteroids, and decongestants may be given as these are the standard drug.

Many companies are working actively for the development of therapeutic options for Chronic Refractory Cough, whose contribution will benefit in the treatment method. Meticulous researches are going on to find the best suitable treatment method. Targets, such as Transient Receptor Potential (TRP), peripheral neuronal equivalents, antitussive targets, etc. are being robustly investigated by the researchers to get best interventions possible to treat patients with Chronic Refractory Cough.

Chronic Refractory Cough Market

These meticulous researches will contribute to the Chronic Refractory Cough market size in the 7MM, which was recorded at 7,918 million in 2017.
Key pharma companies like Merck, Respivant Sciences, Nerre Therapeutics and Bellus Health will contribute to market growth significantly as they are developing different CRC therapeutic options. 

At present, the United States dominates the largest Chronic refractory cough market size in comparison to EU5 (the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, France, and Spain) and Japan. Moreover, 968.82 million cases were recorded in France, being the highest and 512.09 million being the lowest in Spain; these figures are estimated to see an advancement in the coming years.

It is worth noting that though different interventions are approved for CRC, till date, there are no real-time interventions available that can treat a recurrence of cough. Therefore, there is a need for developing drugs which mainly target Chronic cough, which is persistent or refractory.

It is high time that patients consider early diagnosis and proper treatment of CRC as a prolonged illness can lead to an affected social life and aloofness.