pulmonary disorders
Cough in Adults
Introduction
Cough is a protective reflex that prevents aspiration and expels particles and irritants from the airway. However, it can become uncontrolled or disabling and is one of the most common symptoms prompting physician visits. (See also Cough in Children .) 8 weeks) or chronic ( General references ). Inacute cough,the most common causes are Upper respiratory infection ( Common Cold ), including acute bronchitis Postnasal drip Overview of Pneumonia None Inchronic cough,the most common causes are Postnasal drip Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) None Asthma None Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) None Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) Airway hyperresponsiveness after resolution of a viral or bacterial respiratory infection (ie, postinfection cough) Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and, less often,angiotensin IIreceptor blockers The causes of Cough in Children are similar to those in adults, but Purely psychogenic cough is rare and is a diagnosis of exclusion. However, patients with chronic cough may develop a secondary reflex or psychogenic component to their cough. Also, protracted coughing may injure the bronchial mucosa, which may trigger more coughing. 