Chronic cough: A review and prospects

Chronic cough (CC) is a common respiratory disorder, with prevalence rates ranging from 10% to 20%. Its burden can be substantial, as patients often experience physical symptoms (e.g., stress urinary incontinence, sleep disturbance, chest pain), psychological distress (e.g., disappointment and depression), and social difficulties (e.g., social distress/isolation, reduced quality of life). Consequently, CC poses a frustrating challenge for both patients and clinicians. In this review, we summarize the current understanding of CC, including its epidemiology, pathogenesis, etiology, clinical features, auxiliary examination, diagnostic and differential diagnostic approaches, and treatment strategies, while also outlining future research directions. We highlight recent developments suggesting that the field is evolving, with new insights and practical tools for clinical researchers to improve the assessment and management of patients with CC.