Several published studies suggest that the chronic cough and sputum production are associated with increased mortality, and a rapid disease progression in people with COPD.

Our objective was to identify the clinical features associated with the chronic cough and sputum production symptom.

A cross-sectional analysis of data obtained from 142 Algerian patients with COPD (67 ± 10 years, FEV1, 53 ± 19, % of predicted value). Subjects with chronic cough and sputum production (n = 49) and those without chronic cough and sputum production (n = 93) were compared.

No significant difference was observed between the two groups, for the cumulative amount of tobacco consumed (P/Years), the intensity of dyspnea (mMRC score), the body mass index, FEV1, quality of life assessed by the MOS SF- 36 questionnaire (PCS, MCS), 6-minute walk test, comorbidities, and the total HAD score calculated using the "anxiety depression scale" questionnaire.
Subjects with chronic cough and sputum production were significantly younger, and exacerbated significantly more than patients without chronic cough and sputum production (64 ± 12 vs.70 ± 8.7); p.0.003 and (1.91 ± 1.7 vs 1.1 ± 1.44); p.0.005 respectively. Subjects with chronic cough and sputum production smoked significantly more than the others 53.1% against 33.3% (p.0.02). The age and the total number of exacerbations per patient per year were the only variables associated with chronic cough and sputum production (logistic regression) p.0.03 and p.0.007 respectively.

Chronic cough and sputum production is significantly associated with age and higher risk of exacerbation.