Chronic cough - Three most common causes

OBJECTIVE To describe an approach to diagnosis and treatment of patients with chronic cough. QUALITY OF EVIDENCE MEDLINE was searched for reports of studies conducted between 1970 and 2000 on chronic cough and its epidemiology, natural history, diagnosis, and therapy. Articles were further selected based on clinical relevance and design. Most articles reviewed were epidemiologic cohort and case studies and reviews. MAIN MESSAGE Chronic cough, a common ailment among adults, is often a diagnostic challenge. Most cases of chronic cough are associated with postnasal drip syndrome (PNDS), asthma, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), or some combination of these. Initial investigations should include chest radiography to rule out more ominous causes of chronic cough. Examinations and trials of treatment can diagnose PNDS, asthma, and GERD. Combination treatments are often necessary for managing chronic cough. CONCLUSION The most common causes of chronic cough are PNDS, asthma, GERD, or some combination of these. A systematic approach to diagnosis and treatment is effective for most cases of chronic cough.