Occupational, Environmental, and Irritant-induced Cough

Area of Science:

• Environmental Health
• Occupational Medicine
• Pulmonology

Background:

• Chronic cough is frequently linked to occupational and environmental exposures, though often overlooked.
• Airway irritants activate sensory neurons via transient receptor potential ion channels, leading to sensitization.
• Industrial exposures like isocyanates, dusts, fumes, and pollutants are common triggers.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the underrecognized role of occupational and environmental exposures in chronic cough.
• To emphasize the mechanism of airway irritant-induced cough sensitization.
• To advocate for systematic exposure assessment in clinical practice.

Main Methods:

• Review of literature on occupational exposures and chronic cough.
• Explanation of the neurobiological mechanisms of airway sensitization.
• Analysis of clinical practice gaps in exposure assessment.

Main Results:

• Occupational and environmental factors are significant contributors to chronic cough.
• Exposure to irritants causes persistent peripheral and central sensitization of airway neurons.
• Systematic exposure evaluation is not routinely performed in clinical settings.

Conclusions:

• Accurate diagnosis of occupationally related chronic cough requires thorough exposure histories.
• Temporal correlation between exposure and symptom onset is crucial for identification.
• Multidisciplinary collaboration is essential for effective workplace interventions and protections.