The Multidimensional Cough Index: A Practical Scale to Measure Cough and Sputum.

Abstract Background There currently is a lack of easy-to-use instruments with which to assess cough. The aim of the present study was to develop a scale for measuring the characteristics of cough and sputum. Methods The authors developed a scale for assessing cough, including aspects such as intensity, frequency, physical impact, psychosocial impacts and sputum characteristics. The first four components were scored using a cough index, with a range of 0 to 20. Sputum information included volume, appearance, and hemoptysis. The scale was administered to 105 patients and re-administered to 51 about two weeks later. The patients also reported cough frequency and intensity using a 100-mm visual analogue scale (VAS) and answered the Leicester Cough Questionnaire (LCQ). Additionally, 12 patients with acute exacerbation (AE) of chronic airways disease were interviewed upon admission to and discharge from the hospital. Results Analysis identified only one factor for the cough index, and Cronbach's alpha value was 0.819. Cough index was significantly correlated with VASfrequency (r = 0.651, p Conclusion The Multidimensional Cough Index condenses complex aspects related to cough and sputum production into a single instrument, with satisfactory validation.