Respiratory cough

Cough is the most common reason why patients seek medical attention. Acute cough caused by viral upper respiratory tract infection is usually self-limiting and seldom requires investigation. In contrast, chronic cough is challenging to manage and often remains unexplained despite thorough investigation. Cough reflex hypersensitivity is a key abnormality in patients with cough, and the term ‘cough hypersensitivity syndrome’ (CHS) is now used to emphasize this. The evaluation of patients with CHS includes identifying reversible cough hypersensitivity, minimizing aggravating factors and giving non-specific antitussive therapy.