Post-infectious cough in patients with obesity: an observational study

TL;DR

This study finds that obesity-related factors like waist circumference and insulin resistance increase the risk of persistent cough after respiratory infections.

Contribution

Identifies specific risk factors for post-infectious cough in obese patients using an observational study design.

Findings

Waist circumference and insulin resistance are significant risk factors for post-infectious cough in obese patients.

Vomiting during the acute phase of infection increases the likelihood of developing persistent cough.

Reducing visceral fat and improving insulin sensitivity may help reduce post-infectious cough burden.

Abstract

Upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) can lead to post-infectious cough (PIC). It is currently unclear the current status and influencing factors of PIC in patients with obesity.

Data were collected from patients who visited the institution’s bariatric surgery clinic, between June and November 2022, but did not undergo surgery. Follow-up calls will be conducted in early January 2023, and whether these patients develop URTI and cough in December 2022 will be recorded. For patients with URTI and cough, the occurrence of accompanying symptoms during the course of the disease will be recorded. Then, in late February 2023, we will assess whether the cough or other accompanying symptoms have completely resolved within 8 weeks. Logistic regression analyzed the influencing factors of URTI developing into PIC in obese patients. Subgroup analyzes were used to assess interaction effects.

Out of 286 study participants, 54 (18.9%) had a PIC. Waist circumference (WC) [odds ratio (OR) 1.07, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.03–1.12], homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance (OR 1.51, 95% CI: 1.15–1.98), and vomiting during the acute phase (OR 3.42, 95% CI: 1.39–8.4) were associated with PIC in patients with obesity. Vomiting during the acute phase (p for interaction = 0.033) can affect the risk of WC to PIC.

WC, insulin resistance, and vomiting during the acute phase are risk factors for PIC in patients with obesity. Reducing visceral fat and increasing insulin sensitivity in obese patients may help alleviate the burden of PIC.

Figures