Cough with no other symptoms
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Summary
4 papers analyzed
These studies suggest that a cough with no other symptoms could be due to asthma, post-COVID effects, or habit cough syndrome, and is influenced by factors like sex, rhinitis, smoking, and obesity.
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Understanding Cough with No Other Symptoms
Cough is a common symptom that can occur in isolation without other accompanying symptoms. This article explores various potential causes and characteristics of such coughs, drawing insights from recent research.
Cough-Variant Asthma (CVA)
Asthma as a Cause of Isolated Cough
Asthma is a well-known cause of chronic cough, even when it presents without the typical symptoms of wheezing and dyspnea. This condition, known as cough-variant asthma (CVA), can be particularly challenging to diagnose because physical examinations and spirometry results may appear normal. The presence of bronchial hyperresponsiveness can be demonstrated through methacholine inhalation challenge testing. However, the definitive diagnosis of CVA is often confirmed when the cough resolves following antiasthmatic therapy, which typically includes inhaled bronchodilators and corticosteroids.
Post-COVID-19 Persistent Cough
Characteristics and Management
Persistent cough following COVID-19 infection, particularly in the Omicron era, has been observed to share clinical characteristics with chronic cough (CC) from other causes. Studies have shown that patients with post-COVID cough often exhibit similar baseline cough-specific patient-reported outcomes (PROs) and lung function as those with non-COVID chronic cough. However, a notable difference is the higher proportion of patients with elevated fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) levels in the post-COVID group, suggesting a potential inflammatory component. Management of post-COVID cough generally follows standard cough guidelines, and most patients show improvement over time.
Habit Cough Syndrome (HC)
Functional Cough in Children and Adolescents
Habit cough syndrome (HC) is a functional cough without an organic basis, often seen in children and adolescents. This type of cough is characterized by repetitive coughing that can occur several times per minute and may persist for extended periods during the day but ceases completely during sleep. Diagnosis is primarily based on clinical history and observation, with minimal need for diagnostic tests. Treatment typically involves behavioral interventions, such as suggestion therapy, which has been shown to be highly effective in stopping the cough in most cases.
Determinants of Cough in Young Adults
Factors Influencing Cough
A large international study identified several determinants of different types of cough, including nocturnal, nonproductive, and productive cough. Factors such as female sex, rhinitis, asthma, tobacco smoking, environmental tobacco smoke, and obesity were found to be significantly associated with these types of cough. Notably, nocturnal and nonproductive coughs were more commonly reported by females, while rhinitis was a common factor for both nocturnal and productive coughs. These findings highlight the importance of considering both treatable conditions and avoidable environmental factors when addressing chronic cough.
Conclusion
Cough with no other symptoms can arise from various conditions, including cough-variant asthma, post-COVID-19 persistent cough, and habit cough syndrome. Understanding the underlying causes and characteristics of such coughs is crucial for effective diagnosis and management. By considering factors such as asthma, post-viral effects, functional cough, and environmental influences, healthcare providers can better address and treat isolated coughs in patients.
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