Airway disorders associated with chronic cough

Kim, Cheol Woo

Abstract

Although cough is a physiologic reflex of the respiratory tract clearing the airways, it is one of the most common complaints for medical attention. Chronic cough lasting for more than 8 weeks is a major clinical problem and responsible for large socioeconomic burden. The causes of chronic cough can be divided into two categorizes; airway and extra-airway disorders. Airway disorder causing chronic cough is comprised of upper airway disorder such as upper airway cough syndrome and lower airway disorders including asthma and non-asthmatic eosinophilic bronchitis (NAEB). This article reviewed airway disorders causing chronic cough. Most patients with chronic cough can be managed and cured by treatment of these underlying causes of chronic cough. In some patients, however, effective control of cough may require not only controlling underlying diseases but also desensitization of cough pathways because chronic cough is often associated with sensitization of cough pathways and an increased response to tussive agents.