A postinfectious cough is a lingering cough that follows a respiratory tract infection, such as a common cold or flu and lasting up to eight weeks. Postinfectious cough is a clinically recognized condition represented within the medical literature.[1][2][3][4] Patients usually experience repeated episodes of postinfectious cough. The heightened sensitivity in the respiratory tract is demonstrated by inhalation cough challenge.[5]

Cause

One possible cause for postinfectious cough is that the receptors that are responsible for stimulating the cough during the respiratory tract infection are up-regulated by respiratory tract infection and continue to stimulate even after the virus has disappeared.[5]

Treatment

Postinfectious cough can be resistant to treatment, and usually goes away on its own; however, cough suppressants containing codeine may be prescribed.

See also

References

  1. Braman, Sidney S. (2006). "Postinfectious Cough". Chest. Elsevier BV. 129 (1): 138S–146S. doi:10.1378/chest.129.1_suppl.138s. ISSN 0012-3692. PMID 16428703.
  2. Kastelik JA, Aziz I, Ojoo JC, Thompson RH, Redington AE, Morice AH (February 2005). "Investigation and management of chronic cough using a probability-based algorithm". Eur. Respir. J. 25 (2): 235–43. doi:10.1183/09031936.05.00140803. PMID 15684286.
  3. Chung KF, Lalloo UG (October 1996). "Diagnosis and management of chronic persistent dry cough". Postgrad Med J. 72 (852): 594–8. doi:10.1136/pgmj.72.852.594. PMC 2398587. PMID 8977940.
  4. Holmes PW, Barter CE, Pierce RJ (September 1992). "Chronic persistent cough: use of ipratropium bromide in undiagnosed cases following upper respiratory tract infection". Respir Med. 86 (5): 425–9. doi:10.1016/S0954-6111(06)80010-7. PMID 1462022.
  5. 1 2 International Society for the Study of Cough
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