Chronic cough in postmenopausal women and its associations to climacteric symptoms

Abstract

Background Postmenopausal women often have chronic cough, which is likely caused by hormonal changes affecting lung function and the mucous membrane of the airways, causing hypersensitivity of the cough reflex. Therefore, postmenopausal hormonal changes could play a key role in the association between increased cough and menopause. The aim of this study is to evaluate the relation of chronic cough and postmenopausal symptoms. Methods We performed a questionnaire-based cohort study in generally healthy postmenopausal women (age 45–65 years). Women with cough of known origin were excluded. Comorbidities, medication and baseline data were collected. The Menopause Rating Scale II (MRS II) was combined with the Leicester Cough Questionnaire (LCQ). Groups were divided in chronic cough versus non-coughing participants, chronic cough was defined as ‘symptoms for over 8 week’. We performed correlations and logistic regression for predicting cough based on postmenopausal symptoms. Results 66 of 200 women (33%) reported mild to heavier symptoms of chronic cough for over 8 weeks. No significant differences in baseline data (age, BMI, onset of menopause, years since menopause, concomitant diseases, and medication) were found between coughing and non-coughing women. The MRS II showed higher menopausal symptoms in patients with cough, with significant differences in 2 of the 3 MRS-domains (urogenital (p < 0.001) and somato-vegetative (p < 0.001)). Climacteric symptoms strongly correlated with parameters of cough (p < 0.001). On the basis of the MRS total score (p < 0.001) and the somato-vegetative and urogenital domains (p < 0,05), the prediction for respiratory complaints could be shown. Discussion Chronic cough was significantly associated with menopausal symptoms. Therefore chronic cough as a possible climacteric symptom and its underlying mechanisms should be further explored.