An international team of researchers has uncovered the genetic foundation and underlying neurological mechanisms behind chronic cough—a persistent condition that affects millions worldwide—in a breakthrough that could reshape the medical understanding of this often-debilitating problem.
The study, the largest of its kind, challenges the long-held view of chronic cough as merely a respiratory symptom, instead reframing it as a complex neurological disorder. Led by scientists from the University of Leicester in collaboration with colleagues at the University of Copenhagen and Queen Mary University of London, the research analysed genetic data from nearly 30,000 individuals with chronic cough. The team utilised large-scale resources such as the UK Biobank to conduct their investigation.
Their findings, published in the European Respiratory Journal, provide the first robust genetic evidence linking chronic cough to deep neurological roots. Researchers identified a cluster of genes involved in nerve signal transmission and the regulation of sensory pathways—factors that help explain “cough reflex hypersensitivity,” a hallmark experienced by many sufferers.
Strikingly, the study also revealed a genetic overlap between chronic cough and chronic pain, pointing to shared biological mechanisms between the two conditions.
“Chronic cough has long been a medical mystery, particularly in cases with no obvious cause,” said Dr Kaisha Koli, who led the research team. “This is the first comprehensive genetic map that helps us understand the biological underpinnings of the condition.”
From a clinical perspective, the findings open the door to a new generation of targeted therapies aimed at specific neurological pathways rather than simply suppressing symptoms. They also provide a strong scientific basis for reclassifying chronic cough as a neurological condition—an approach that could significantly transform both diagnosis and treatment strategies.
