Cough is a common and distressing symptom that results in significant health care costs from medical consultations and medication use. Non-specific cough suppressant therapy offers little benefit in managing persistent cough. Successful management requires a treatment program based on accurate diagnosis and understanding of the cough aetiology. CICADA (Cough in Children and Adults: Diagnosis and Assessment) is a clinical guideline for the assessment and management of persistent cough in children and adults. CICADA was developed by a multidisciplinary expert committee after a needs assessment by clinicians.
The position statement is now available in the Medical Journal of Australia: Med J Aust 2010; 192 (5): 265-271 or via the eMJA website: www.mja.com.au