Avaliação da qualidade de vida em adultos portadores de tosse crônica

Abstract

Introduction: Cough is an important defense mechanism of the respiratory system, with voluntary or involuntary character contributing to the preservation of the airways. The cough physical signs are easily visible; however, psychosocial symptoms are often overlooked. Objective: To evaluate the quality of life in adults with chronic cough. Methodology: exploratory research and cross-sectional with quantitative method. Made up of 32 individuals, 13 males and 19 females, living in a city of southern Brazil. Initially, the data collection was carried out through a case history form and then assessed the quality of life through a specific questionnaire - Leicester questionnaire on chronic cough (LCQ). Results: mean age of 46.31 years (± 19.31), average time of sympton 11,12 years (±15,17). The most commonly reported complications were the loss of sleep, muscle pain, public embarrassment, hoarseness and change in lifestyle. The females presented significantly negative interference on quality of life in the total score and the psychological and social domains in relation to men. Conclusion: Chronic cough negatively interfered on quality of life, by inducing a series of complications and damage to individuals, with emphasis on the female.