Our Patient Advisory Groups or PAGs are made up of people who have an interest in a particular lung condition or topic related to lung health. Members share their views and get involved in projects to help improve treatment and healthcare.
The Chronic Cough PAG works to raise awareness of this condition and to improve diagnosis, treatment and care. Their activities include working with the NEUROCOUGH project to raise awareness of chronic cough and improve treatments for the condition.
More information on chronic coughPAGs are set up to contribute to ELF and ERS priority-setting, and input into projects such as Task Forces and Clinical Research Collaborations (CRCs). PAGs may also contribute to other initiatives such as EU projects and ERS assemblies. Some PAGs may initiate their own patient-driven projects.
Learn more about their activities here:
Members of the chronic cough PAG shared their experiences in the Chronic Cough patient conference. The event provided an opportunity for experts to explain the condition and the treatments available and for attendees to ask their questions about the condition.
Watch the 2024 event recording.
Members of the chronic cough PAG shared their experiences living with chronic cough to contribute to the European Respiratory Society guidelines published in 2020 around diagnosis and treatment of the condition.
The chronic cough PAG also helped to summarise the guidelines. Read a summary here.
NEuroCOUGH is a clinical research collaboration with the aim to improve the management of cough. Members of the chronic cough PAG work alongside healthcare professionals and researchers in Europe to ensure better care and treatment for people living with the condition.
PAG members come together to share their experiences of living with the condition, including how it can affect daily life, thoughts on treatment and other areas of patient advocacy. The group meets quarterly by video conference and communicates regularly via email. Meet our PAG members here.
Ruth is 65 and has lived with a chronic cough since 2002. Although the cause of her chronic cough is unknown, Ruth has been diagnosed with Cough Hypersensitivity Syndrome.
She has trialled many medications but has found that speech therapy and breathing through her nose help manage her symptoms, alongside painkillers such as morphine.
Jane attends the Chronic Cough clinic at Kings College Hospital in London, having been diagnosed several years ago. She is also a member of the Cough Patient Action Group at the European Lung Forum where she learns about the latest research and treatments.
Jane is also a member of NEuroCOUGH. This is a Clinical Research Collaboration bringing together doctors, patients and researchers from across Europe, to share ideas and work towards improved care and treatment for people living with chronic cough.
Sandeep Pal Kaur Pattar developed cough following a COVID-19 infection. She describes her cough as a continuous burden that drains her energy and stops her living her best quality of life. She has tried a range of drug and non-drug treatments. Sandeep is also a qualified nurse and is currently studying for an MBA.
Caroline Love is a member of the ELF Patient Advisory Committee on behalf of TOFS/EAT, patient support groups that represent patients born with oesophageal atresia and tracheo-oesophageal fistula (OA/TOF).
She was born with OA/TOF and has had chronic cough of mixed cause since birth (tracheomalacia, neurocough, reflux airway disease) which is currently well controlled.
She works as a dermatologist at York Hospital and is currently clinical lead for the department.
Carol began coughing around the age of 50, and over time the frequency of coughing fits increased. She has found the PAG group has been a huge help in coping with her condition.
