Coughrelated

Cough-related is a broad term used to describe medical concerns, symptoms, and conditions in which coughing is prominent or contributory. Cough itself is a reflex that helps clear airways, and cough-related issues span a wide range of acute and chronic conditions.

Common causes include acute upper respiratory infections, postnasal drip, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and adverse drug effects (notably from ACE inhibitors). Less frequent but important causes include pneumonia, bronchiectasis, pertussis, tuberculosis, and lung malignancy. Cough duration is a key distinction: acute cough lasts up to about three weeks, subacute up to eight weeks, and chronic cough lasts longer than eight weeks. Pediatric coughs often reflect viral illnesses or asthma, but red flags warrant prompt evaluation.

Evaluation of cough-related concerns typically involves a medical history focusing on onset, character, exposures, smoking status, and associated symptoms, followed by a physical examination. Depending on findings, clinicians may order tests such as chest imaging or lung function tests and assess for alternative diagnoses like infections, allergy, or reflux.

Management aims to treat the underlying cause and alleviate symptoms. Approaches include treating infections when appropriate, controlling asthma or allergies, addressing reflux, and addressing smoking cessation. Symptomatic measures—hydration, humidified air, nasal saline, and, in some cases, antitussive or mucolytic medications—may be used with varying evidence. Persistent or worsening cough, red-flag symptoms (hemoptysis, unintentional weight loss, fever, chest pain, or shortness of breath), or a cough lasting beyond several weeks should prompt medical evaluation. Preventive strategies emphasize infection prevention and smoking avoidance.