Epidemiology of cough

Area of Science:

• Pulmonology and General Practice
• Pathophysiology of Cough

Background:

• Cough is a prevalent symptom, categorized into acute and chronic forms.
• Acute cough is a leading reason for primary care visits, while chronic cough is common in respiratory clinics.
• The global market for cough treatments exceeds several billion dollars.

Purpose of the Study:

• To differentiate between acute and chronic cough etiologies.
• To highlight the diagnostic challenges in chronic cough.
• To underscore the importance of accurate diagnosis for effective treatment.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on cough classification and causes.
• Analysis of the typical origins of inflammation in acute versus chronic cough.
• Discussion of potential misdiagnoses in chronic cough.

Main Results:

• Acute cough is primarily linked to laryngeal and large airway inflammation, often viral.
• Chronic cough can originate from the larynx, large airways, esophagus, nose, or sinuses.
• Upregulated cough sensitivity is observed in both acute and chronic cough syndromes.

Conclusions:

• Accurate differentiation between acute and chronic cough is crucial.
• The diverse origins of chronic cough necessitate a comprehensive diagnostic approach.
• Understanding the localized inflammation in acute cough contrasts with the multifactorial nature of chronic cough, impacting treatment strategies.