Chronic Cough

Abstract

Chronic cough (CC), or cough lasting more than 8 weeks, has attracted increased attention in recent years following advances that have changed opinions on the prevailing diagnostic and therapeutic triad in place since the 1970s. Suboptimal treatment results in two thirds of all cases, together with a new notion of CC as a peripheral and central hypersensitivity syndrome similar to chronic pain, have changed the approach to this common complaint in routine clinical practice. The peripheral receptors involved in CC are still a part of the diagnostic triad. However, both convergence of stimuli and central nervous system hypersensitivity are key factors in treatment success.

Keywords: Agentes antitusivos; Antittusive agents; Aspiración respiratoria; Cough; Disfunción de cuerdas vocales; Gastroesophageal reflux; Reflujo gastroesofágico; Respiratory aspiration; Tos; Vocal cord dysfunction.