Chronic cough due to chronic interstitial pulmonary diseases: ACCP evidence-based clinical practice guidelines

To review the role of chronic interstitial pulmonary disease in the spectrum of causes of cough and its management.

A MEDLINE search (through May 2004) for studies published in the English language since 1980 on human subjects using the medical subject heading terms "cough," "causes of cough," "etiology of cough," "interstitial lung disease," "idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis," "sarcoidosis," and "hypersensitivity pneumonitis" was performed. Case series and prospective descriptive clinical trials were selected for review. Any references from these studies that were pertinent to the topic were also obtained.

In patients with cough, chronic interstitial pulmonary disease should be considered as a primary cause only after more common causes, such as upper airway cough syndrome and gastroesophageal reflux, have been excluded. Successful management depends on identification of the specific disorder.