Cough-hypersensitivity Syndrome-A New Paradigm in the Evaluation of Chronic Refractory Cough and Its Novel Therapeutic Horizons-A Review.

Abstract

Chronic cough is defined as a persistent cough, lasting beyond 8 weeks, poses a global health challenge, impacting a substantial portion of the world's population. In the United States, it stands as a prominent cause for numerous visits to primary care and pulmonology clinics, imposing a significant healthcare burden and utilizing valuable resources. While chronic cough can be indicative of serious underlying lung conditions, once serious pulmonary diseases are excluded, the leading culprits are often identified as gastroesophageal reflux, upper airway cough syndrome, and eosinophilic airway inflammation. Cough Hypersensitivity Syndrome (CHS) serves as a paradigm for understanding chronic refractory cough. CHS is chronic cough triggered by low-level tussigneic stimuli once more common etiologies have been effectively addressed. This review delves into the definition, pathophysiology, current therapeutic options, and novel treatments for Cough Hypersensitivity Syndrome (CHS).