öksürükte

Öksürükte, a Turkish term translating to “in cough” or “with cough,” refers to a clinical condition where coughing is a prominent symptom. The cough reflex is initiated by irritation or inflammation of the respiratory tract, leading to neuronal stimulation of the vagus and phrenic nerves which activate the cough center in the medulla oblongata. This reflex serves to clear the airway of mucus, irritants, or foreign bodies.

The etiology of öksürükte is diverse. Acute cough often follows viral infections such as the common cold or influenza, whereas chronic cough (>8 weeks) may be attributable to post‑nasal drip, asthma, gastro‑esophageal reflux disease, chronic bronchitis, or medication side‑effects such as ACE‑inhibitor induced cough. Less frequent causes include pulmonary embolism, tuberculosis, lung cancer, or cardiac failure, warranting further investigation when cough is accompanied by pleuritic chest pain, weight loss, or hemoptysis.

Diagnostic work‑up typically includes a thorough history, physical examination, and imaging such as chest radiography. Spirometry can distinguish obstructive from restrictive patterns, while laboratory tests may rule out eosinophilic disorders or hematologic abnormalities. In adults with chronic cough, a trial of inhaled corticosteroids or a reflux‑screening protocol may be employed before resorting to bronchoscopy.

Management hinges on treating the underlying cause. Symptom‑directed therapies feature antitussives like dextromethorphan for dry cough, or expectorants such as guaifenesin when productive cough predominates. Pharmacologic regimens for asthma incorporate inhaled corticosteroids and bronchodilators. Lifestyle modifications—including smoking cessation, humidified air, and avoidance of allergens—complement medical therapy. In refractory cases, neuromodulators such as gabapentin or amitriptyline have shown benefit.

In summary, öksürükte encompasses a spectrum of cough presentations, requiring targeted evaluation to identify the primary driver and guide appropriate interventions.