As the medical community prepares for the ERS Cough Conference 2026, a paradigm shift is occurring in the landscape of respiratory medicine. No longer confined to clinical data and laboratory research, the discourse surrounding chronic cough—a condition affecting approximately one in ten adults globally—is moving toward a more holistic, patient-informed model. This year’s conference marks a definitive milestone in this evolution, placing the "patient voice" at the heart of scientific deliberation.
The State of Chronic Cough: A Complex Burden
Chronic cough is frequently misunderstood, often dismissed by the general public as a mere annoyance or a symptom of a transient cold. However, for those living with it, the reality is far more taxing. It is a persistent, debilitating condition that permeates every aspect of daily life, influencing physical health, emotional well-being, and social interactions.
The ERS Cough Conference 2026 aims to tackle the diagnostic and treatment challenges inherent in this condition. By fostering a dialogue between the world’s leading pulmonologists, researchers, and the people who live with the condition every day, the conference seeks to bridge the gap between clinical theory and the lived reality of patients.
A New Era: The Inclusion of Patient Representatives
A central theme of the 2026 event is the direct involvement of the European Lung Foundation’s (ELF) Chronic Cough Patient Advisory Group (PAG). Two key representatives, Andrew Lothian and Ruth Last, will take the stage to share their personal narratives, aiming to turn raw experience into actionable clinical insight.
The Perspective of Andrew Lothian
Andrew Lothian, a dedicated member of the ELF’s Chronic Cough PAG, joined the initiative less than a year ago. Driven by his own long-term struggle with the condition, his mission is clear: to ensure that clinical research reflects the genuine priorities of the patient community.
"My attendance allows me to communicate the patient perspective by sharing the day-to-day reality of living with chronic cough, which has far-reaching impacts," says Lothian. His goal for the conference is ambitious yet pragmatic. He is a vocal proponent for the early integration of speech and language therapy—a non-invasive intervention that can help manage laryngeal hypersensitivity. He advocates for this to be moved into the primary care setting, where patients first seek help, rather than as a late-stage referral.
The Insights of Ruth Last
Ruth Last, who has been a member of the ELF Chronic Cough PAG since 2019, brings a unique dual perspective to the conference. Having previously worked within the National Health Service (NHS), she understands the clinical terminology and systemic pressures faced by practitioners. Simultaneously, as a patient living with refractory chronic cough, she understands the frustration of limited therapeutic options.
"I have no expectations but have high hopes for chronic cough to be designated a disease," Last notes. Her contribution centers on the need for systemic change in how the condition is assessed and managed. Like Lothian, she believes that while speech and language therapy is not a "cure," it serves as a vital tool for quality-of-life improvement.
Chronology of Patient Advocacy in Respiratory Health
The journey toward this level of patient inclusion has been incremental.
- Pre-2019: Chronic cough was largely treated through a "symptom management" lens, with limited emphasis on the psychosocial impact on patients.
- 2019: The formation of the ELF Chronic Cough PAG signaled a move toward organized advocacy, allowing patients to participate in clinical trials and peer-led support networks.
- 2022–2024: Research began to shift toward the underlying neurological pathways of cough, with initial attempts to incorporate patient feedback into the design of these studies.
- 2026: The ERS Cough Conference marks the formalization of the "patient-professional partnership," where patient testimonials are integrated into the main scientific sessions rather than relegated to the margins.
Supporting Data: Why the Patient Voice Matters
The medical necessity of this collaboration is backed by emerging data. Studies have consistently shown that when patients are actively involved in the development of care pathways, treatment adherence increases, and patient-reported outcomes (PROMs) improve.
For chronic cough, the "hidden" impacts are often invisible to the clinician. These include:
- Social Isolation: Patients often avoid public spaces, social gatherings, and even quiet environments like libraries or cinemas, fearing the stigma of their coughing.
- Professional Impairment: Constant coughing affects concentration, leads to fatigue, and can even threaten job security in roles requiring long periods of talking.
- Emotional Toll: The relentless nature of the cough leads to anxiety and depression, which in turn can exacerbate the sensitivity of the cough reflex—a vicious cycle that is rarely addressed in a ten-minute consultation.
Official Perspectives on the Patient-Professional Partnership
The ERS Cough Conference committee has framed the 2026 event around the concept of "holistic understanding." The prevailing view among the conference organizers is that clinical data, while essential, is incomplete without the qualitative context provided by the patient.
"The partnership goes beyond representation," notes Lothian. "It involves actively contributing lived experience to discussions… helping to ensure that scientific and clinical advances are aligned with patients’ needs."
This philosophy acknowledges that clinicians and patients are bridge-builders. While the clinician understands the pathophysiology, the patient understands the "lived reality." When these two datasets merge, the result is a more accurate, empathetic, and effective healthcare strategy.
Implications for Future Care
The implications of the ERS Cough Conference 2026 extend far beyond the duration of the event. The goal is to set a new standard for how respiratory conditions are managed globally.
1. Shift to Early Intervention
The persistent call from patient advocates for earlier access to speech and language therapy suggests a necessary shift in primary care policy. By training general practitioners to recognize the signs of refractory cough earlier, the medical community could prevent years of unnecessary suffering and the misprescription of ineffective medications.
2. Redefining Chronic Cough as a Primary Disease
As Ruth Last pointed out, designating chronic cough as a formal disease entity is a critical hurdle. Currently, it is often categorized as a symptom of other conditions (such as asthma or reflux). A formal classification would stimulate more targeted research funding and incentivize pharmaceutical and technological innovation.
3. Empowerment Through Education
The conference emphasizes that patients should be active participants in their healthcare journey, not passive recipients of treatment. Through initiatives like the European Patient Ambassador Programme (EPAP), the ELF is training patients to represent themselves effectively, ensuring that the "patient voice" is not just heard, but is articulate, informed, and influential.
How to Get Involved
The movement for patient advocacy in lung health is growing. For those interested in participating, the European Lung Foundation offers several avenues:
- Patient Advisory Groups (PAGs): These groups are the backbone of patient-led policy change. Membership allows individuals to share their experiences and help shape the future of healthcare.
- European Patient Ambassador Programme (EPAP): A free, self-learning, online course designed to give patients and carers the skills needed to advocate for their health and participate in professional discussions.
- Information Hubs: The ELF provides extensive resources on lung conditions, which serve as a foundational tool for patients wanting to better understand their diagnosis.
Conclusion: A Collaborative Future
The ERS Cough Conference 2026 is more than a scientific symposium; it is a declaration that the future of medicine is collaborative. By inviting individuals like Andrew Lothian and Ruth Last to share the stage with world-leading experts, the medical community is acknowledging that the most sophisticated research is only as effective as its application to the human experience.
As we look toward the future of chronic cough care, the message is clear: the most effective, empathetic, and long-lasting medical solutions will be those designed not just for patients, but with them. The 2026 conference serves as a blueprint for this new, integrated approach—a model that promises to transform the lives of millions by ensuring that every cough is not just heard, but understood.
