OBJECTIVETo analyze the etiological diagnosis and efficacy of specific therapy of chronic cough.

METHODSTotally 106 patients with chronic cough were diagnosed using a diagnostic protocol based on the Guideline on Diagnosis and Treatment of Chronic Cough established by China Medical Association, which included history inquiry, physical examination, pulmonary function tests, X-ray or CT of paranasal sinuses or chest, 24-hour esophageal pH monitoring, and sputum cell differentials. The etiological diagnosis was made according to clinical manifestations, examination results, and response to specific therapy.

RESULTSThe cause of chronic cough was confirmed in 101 patients (95.3%). Cough due to a single cause was found in 81 patients (80.2%), and due to multiple causes in 20 patients (19.8%). The causes included cough variant asthma (CVA) in 66 patients (62.3%), postnasal drip syndrome (PNDs) in 15 patients (14.1%), gastroesophageal reflux (GERC) in 11 patients (10.4%), post-infection cough (PIC) in 4 patients (3.8%), angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI) induction in 3 patients (2.8%), and eosinophilic bronchitis (EB) in 2 patients (1.9%). Five patients (4.7%) had not been definitely diagnosed. After specific therapy based on diagnosis, cough disappeared in 92 patients (91.1%) and alleviated in 9 patients (8.9%).

CONCLUSIONSCVA, PNDs, and GERC are the most common causes of chronic cough. Specific therapy based on definite cause can result in good outcome.