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Published on: April 13, 2010
The airway sensory hyperreactivity syndrome
1Department of Internal Medicine/Respiratory Medicine and Allergology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Bruna stråket 11 B, SE 413 45 Gothenburg, Sweden. eva.millqvist@medfak.gu.se
Pulmonary Pharmacology & Therapeutics
|October 13, 2010
Summary
Chronic idiopathic cough (CIC) may be explained by sensory hyperreactivity (SHR), a condition affecting over 6% of adults. This airway sensory nerve hypersensitivity leads to significant social and psychological impacts.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonology
- Neurology
- Clinical Medicine
Background:
- Chronic cough diagnoses include ACE inhibitor use, GERD, and post-nasal drip.
- Unexplained chronic cough, or chronic idiopathic cough (CIC), remains a diagnostic challenge.
- A subset of CIC patients exhibits upper and lower airway symptoms, suggesting a unified underlying mechanism.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential role of sensory hyperreactivity (SHR) in patients with chronic idiopathic cough (CIC).
- To characterize the prevalence and impact of SHR in a defined adult population.
Main Methods:
- Exclusion of diverse pulmonary illnesses.
- Differential diagnosis for chronic cough.
- Assessment of cough triggers (odors, chemicals) and cough sensitivity to capsaicin.
- Epidemiological data collection in Sweden.
Main Results:
- Sensory hyperreactivity (SHR) identified in a subgroup of patients previously diagnosed with CIC.
- SHR is characterized by upper and lower airway symptoms and increased cough sensitivity.
- SHR affects over 6% of the adult population in Sweden.
- SHR is a chronic condition with significant social and psychological impacts.
Conclusions:
- Sensory hyperreactivity (SHR) is a proposed explanation for a significant portion of unexplained chronic cough (CIC).
- SHR represents a distinct clinical entity affecting airway sensory nerves.
- Further research into SHR is warranted due to its prevalence and impact.
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