Advanced Chronic Cough Research in South Florida

A cough that will not go away is more than an inconvenience. For many patients, a persistent cough lasting months or even years disrupts sleep, strains relationships, causes embarrassment in public or professional settings, and can lead to exhaustion, urinary incontinence, and even rib fractures from severe coughing episodes. When a cough persists despite treatment for the usual suspects, it is often labeled refractory chronic cough or unexplained chronic cough — and it can be one of the most frustrating conditions in pulmonary medicine, for patients and physicians alike.

At Lung Research Florida, under the direction of Dr. Frank Hull, we have a history of studying investigational treatments for chronic, refractory, and unexplained cough. Our most recent chronic cough study has concluded and is not currently recruiting. We hope to bring additional chronic cough research opportunities to our patients in the future, and we encourage anyone with a persistent, treatment-resistant cough to contact our research team to be notified as soon as new enrollment opens.

About Our Chronic Cough Research Program

Chronic cough affecting quality of life is a significant, and often overlooked, unmet medical need. Population studies suggest that refractory or unexplained chronic cough may affect as many as 1 in 10 adults referred to specialty cough clinics, disproportionately women in their 50s and 60s. The condition is now understood to involve a component of cough hypersensitivity — an overactive cough reflex arc that can fire in response to triggers most people would never notice, such as talking, laughing, temperature changes, or mild irritants in the air.

Our research program has evaluated novel therapeutic approaches for patients whose cough has not responded adequately to conventional management. Because the science of cough hypersensitivity is evolving quickly, the specific investigational therapies available at any given time change — which is why we recommend contacting our team directly to learn what is currently enrolling.

Call or submit an inquiry to learn whether a chronic cough study is currently enrolling.

Who Should Consider Chronic Cough Clinical Research?

You may be a candidate for chronic cough research if:

• Your cough has persisted for eight weeks or longer in adulthood
• You have already been evaluated for and treated for common causes such as postnasal drip, asthma, and acid reflux (GERD) without adequate relief
• Your cough occurs with minimal or no trigger, or is set off by talking, laughing, temperature change, or strong smells
• You have not smoked, or your cough persists despite quitting smoking and is not explained by ongoing lung disease
• Your cough significantly affects your sleep, work, or social life
• You are interested in specialist-led evaluation and access to investigational treatment options

Why Standard Treatment Sometimes Falls Short

Most chronic cough evaluations begin with a structured work-up for the three most common causes: postnasal drip (upper airway cough syndrome), asthma, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). When treatment targeting these conditions does not resolve the cough, physicians may consider the cough "refractory." Standard prescription options for refractory cough are limited, and many carry sedation or other side effects that patients find difficult to tolerate long-term. This treatment gap is exactly what chronic cough clinical research aims to address — investigating new mechanisms of action designed specifically for cough hypersensitivity, rather than repurposing medications developed for other conditions.

What to Expect From a Chronic Cough Research Evaluation

If you contact Lung Research Florida about chronic cough research, you can typically expect:

1. A detailed intake conversation — how long you have had the cough, what triggers it, and what treatments you have already tried
2. Free eligibility screening — which may include a physician consultation, pulmonary function testing, and review of prior work-up
3. Clear explanation of any currently enrolling study — including what the investigational treatment involves, visit schedule, and duration
4. No cost for study-related care — all study evaluations, monitoring, and investigational treatment are provided free of charge to enrolled participants
5. Compensation for your time — most studies provide payment for travel and time commitment

You may withdraw from any study at any time, for any reason. For general questions about what clinical trial participation involves, visit our Clinical Trials FAQ.

Frequently Asked Questions About Chronic Cough Trials

How long does a cough need to last before it is considered "chronic"?

In adults, a cough lasting eight weeks or longer is generally classified as chronic. Coughs lasting three to eight weeks are considered "subacute," and those under three weeks are "acute." Chronic cough warrants a thorough medical evaluation, particularly if it has not improved with initial treatment.

I've already tried inhalers, reflux medication, and allergy treatment. What's next?

If you have completed evaluation and treatment trials for asthma, postnasal drip, and GERD without relief, your cough may fall into the refractory or unexplained category. This is precisely the population our chronic cough research program is designed to serve. Contact us to discuss whether current or upcoming research may be appropriate for your situation.

Will I need to stop my current medications to participate?

Requirements vary by study. Our research coordinators will review your current medications during the eligibility discussion and explain any adjustments a specific study may require before you decide whether to participate.

Can I continue seeing my regular physician during a study?

Yes. Clinical trial participation does not replace your relationship with your primary care physician or ENT. We coordinate with your existing care team as appropriate throughout the study.

How do I get started?

Call our research enrollment line at 954-520-7296 x1 or complete our online eligibility form. A research coordinator will discuss your cough history and help determine whether a currently enrolling study, or a future one, may be right for you. The initial consultation is free and confidential.

Clinical trial participation is voluntary. All studies are reviewed and approved by an independent Institutional Review Board (IRB) and follow FDA safety guidelines. This page is for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult your physician to determine whether a clinical trial may be appropriate for your individual situation.