Occupational, Environmental, and Irritant-induced Cough

Occupational and environmental exposures contribute to a significant, yet often underrecognized, proportion of chronic cough cases. Airway irritants activate sensory neurons through transient receptor potential ion channels, inducing peripheral and central sensitization that persists beyond the exposure period. Common triggers include isocyanates, dusts, fumes, and air pollutants found across diverse industries. Despite recommendations for routine exposure assessment, systematic evaluation remains uncommon in clinical practice. Accurate recognition necessitates detailed exposure histories, temporal correlation with symptoms, and multidisciplinary collaboration, thereby enabling targeted interventions and workplace protections.