Chronic cough. Three most common causes.

OBJECTIVE: To describe an approach to diagnosis and treatment of patients with chronic cough. QUALIITY OF EVIDENCE: MEDLINE was search for reports of studies comducted between 1970 and 2000 on chronic cough and its epidemiology, natural history, diagnois, and theraphy. Articles were further selected based on clinical relevance and design. Most articles reviewed were epidemiology cohort and case studies and reviews. MAIN MESSAGE: Chronic cough, a commom ailment amoung adults, is often a diagnostic challenge. Most cases of chronic cough are associated with postnasal drip syndrome (PNDS), asthma, gastroesphageal reflux disease (GERD), or some combination of these. Initial investigation should include chest radiography to ruke 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.