Somatic cough syndrome: a report of two cases and review of literature

Abstract

Abstract Background Somatic cough syndrome is a somatization disorder that usually presents in children and which is often diagnosed late after an extensive search for organic causes. The condition was redefined by the DSM-5 criteria and grouped with the other conditions under the umbrella of somatoform disorders. Nonetheless, clinical presentation is heterogeneous, and etiology is still not clearly defined. Several management approaches have been proposed, but treatment remains essentially nonpharmacological. Case presentation We report two cases of somatic cough syndrome that were diagnosed after 4 years and 3 months respectively, and document the successful treatment of both cases using behavioral therapy. Discussion Behavioral therapy is the most reportedly successful nonpharmacological treatment in somatic cough syndrome, and it was successful with both our cases. The condition poses a significant burden over the function and quality of life in patients and their caregivers. The heterogeneous nature of this syndrome necessitates a high index of suspicion on part of both the physician and the psychiatrist in order to secure a timely diagnosis and mitigate the impact of this condition.