Highlights & Basics
- Chronic cough that occurs with coexisting upper airway symptoms, including abnormal sensations arising from the throat and a postnasal drip sensation.
- Sensations attributed to nasal disease may actually be manifestations of a sensory neuropathic process and not related to rate or quantity of nasal discharge.
- No pathognomonic findings exist.
- Trial of empiric therapy with a first-generation antihistamine plus a decongestant is considered to be both diagnostic and therapeutic.
- Nonpharmacologic therapies also form part of the treatment pathway. Coexisting conditions should be evaluated and managed.
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Citations
Pratter M. Chronic upper airway cough syndrome secondary to rhinosinus diseases (previously referred to as postnasal drip syndrome): ACCP evidence-based clinical practice guidelines. Chest. 2006;129(suppl 1):63S-71S.[Abstract][Full Text]
European Respiratory Society. ERS guidelines on the diagnosis and treatment of chronic cough in adults and children. 2020 [internet publication].[Full Text]
Gibson P, Wang G, McGarvey L, et al. Treatment of unexplained chronic cough: CHEST guideline and expert panel report. Chest. 2016;149:27-44.[Abstract][Full Text]
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