Future directions
cough
Many unknowns remain about CDT. It is unclear how long the CDT treatment effect lasts, or if titration of the treatment may result in greater sustainability of effect rather than an abrupt discontinuation of the treatment. The optimal dosing schedule for CDT is also unknown. Delivering the treatment more often (e.g., 3–4 times/week) may be more efficient; however, given lack of studies on safety of repeated exposure to aerosolized capsaicin, the FDA recommended a washout period of at least 72 h between treatment sessions. There is also much to be learned about what patients are the best candidates for CDT and how to feasibly implement CDT in the clinic in a cost-effective and accessible manner. Additional studies with larger sample sizes are needed. Matching participants on cough severity at baseline would also be beneficial.