Overview of cough in adults
Although cough is an essential reflex, it can become disordered and is one of the most common reasons for presentation to healthcare providers.
Cough can affect the patient’s quality of life because of the adverse consequences it can cause (eg urinary incontinence in women, headaches, sleep disturbance, vomiting, rib fracture).
Cough in adults is classified according to its durationGibson, 2016Irwin, 2018:
- acute cough lasts less than 3 weeks
- subacute cough lasts 3 to 8 weeks1
- chronic cough lasts more than 8 weeks.
This classification assists in differential diagnosis; cough has many causes, including some serious conditions that need consideration and exclusion.
The scientific understanding of the pathophysiology of chronic cough has evolved. Chronic cough is now considered to have two components: trigger(s) and upper airway hypersensitivity, both of which need to be addressed to effectively manage cough. Triggers can be diseases or other factors that stimulate cough. Upper airway hypersensitivity is caused by laryngeal irritation and inflammation, and leads to a persistent urge to coughVertigan, 2018.