Constant cough
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Summary
10 papers analyzed
These studies suggest that chronic cough is a common condition with significant impacts on quality of life, often caused by asthma, environmental factors, and other diseases, and can be effectively managed with appropriate diagnosis and treatment.
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Understanding the Causes and Management of Constant Cough
Introduction to Chronic Cough
Chronic cough, defined as a cough lasting more than eight weeks, is a prevalent issue that significantly impacts the quality of life. It is a complex condition with various potential causes and mechanisms, making diagnosis and treatment challenging . This article synthesizes current research to provide a comprehensive overview of the causes, diagnosis, and management of chronic cough.
Common Causes of Chronic Cough
Asthma and Cough-Variant Asthma
Asthma is one of the most common causes of chronic cough, particularly in non-smokers. Cough-variant asthma (CVA) is a form of asthma where the cough is the predominant or sole symptom, often without the typical wheezing or dyspnea associated with asthma . Diagnosis can be challenging as physical examinations and spirometry may appear normal. Methacholine challenge testing is often used to confirm bronchial hyperresponsiveness, and treatment typically involves inhaled bronchodilators and corticosteroids.
Upper Airway Cough Syndrome (UACS)
Previously known as postnasal drip syndrome, UACS is another frequent cause of chronic cough. It is associated with various rhinosinus conditions and can occur alone or in combination with other conditions like asthma and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Identifying and treating the underlying rhinosinus condition can often alleviate the cough.
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
GERD is a significant contributor to chronic cough, where acid reflux irritates the esophagus and respiratory tract, leading to a persistent cough. Managing GERD through lifestyle modifications and medications can help reduce cough symptoms .
Nonasthmatic Eosinophilic Bronchitis (NAEB)
NAEB is characterized by eosinophilic inflammation of the bronchial tubes without the airway hyperresponsiveness seen in asthma. It is a common cause of chronic cough and responds well to inhaled corticosteroids.
Chronic Cough in Children
Common Causes in Pediatric Populations
In children, chronic cough can be particularly distressing and disruptive. The most common causes include cough-variant asthma, prolonged bacterial bronchitis, and upper airway cough syndrome . Accurate diagnosis is crucial to avoid unnecessary treatments and to provide effective management.
Habit Cough Syndrome
Habit cough, or psychogenic cough, is a functional cough without an organic basis, often seen in children and adolescents. It is characterized by a repetitive cough that is absent during sleep. Behavioral therapy has been shown to be highly effective in treating habit cough, with many patients experiencing complete cessation of symptoms.
Impact on Quality of Life
Chronic cough has significant physical, social, and psychological consequences. It can lead to sleep disturbances, social embarrassment, and anxiety, severely impairing the quality of life. Recent developments in cough-specific quality-of-life tools have enabled better quantification and understanding of the burden of chronic cough.
Conclusion
Chronic cough is a multifaceted condition with various potential causes, including asthma, UACS, GERD, and NAEB. Accurate diagnosis and targeted treatment are essential for effective management. In children, special consideration is needed to identify and treat the underlying cause, with behavioral therapy being particularly effective for habit cough. Addressing chronic cough not only alleviates physical symptoms but also significantly improves the overall quality of life for affected individuals.
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