[Treatment of refractory chronic cough: current status and prospects].

Refractory chronic cough (RCC) poses significant clinical challenges due to its refractoriness and limited therapeutic efficacy, profoundly impacting patients' quality of life and mental health. Currently, cough hypersensitivity is recognized as a common and treatable trait in RCC patients. In terms of treatment, neuromodulators and novel receptor antagonists/agonists are the primary pharmacological interventions, with gabapentin being widely utilized and P2X3 receptor antagonists considered promising. However, despite advancements in antitussive drug development targeting neuronal hypersensitivity reduction, their efficacy remains modest, and the development of novel antitussive agents faces numerous challenges. Furthermore, the application of non-pharmacological therapies in RCC management is still in its nascent stage, necessitating further research and exploration. This review aims to synthesize the current treatment landscape of RCC and to forecast future therapeutic strategies and research fields.