1. Introduction A persistent dry cough lasting beyond three weeks is most commonly caused by post-viral airway hyperreactivity, cough-variant asthma, silent acid reflux, or chronic post-nasal drip. Unlike a productive cough that clears mucus and phlegm from the lower respiratory tract, a dry cough is non-productive, producing a hollow, hacking sound. This symptom indicates that … Read more
1. Introduction to Persistent Cough A persistent cough, clinically defined as a cough lasting longer than eight weeks in adults, is a common and often debilitating respiratory symptom. This condition is not a distinct disease but rather a clinical indicator of an underlying anatomical or physiological abnormality affecting the respiratory tract or adjacent systems. Evaluating … Read more
1. Introduction A persistent dry cough lasting for months is predominantly caused by chronic postnasal drip, gastroesophageal reflux disease, or cough-variant asthma. In these conditions, mechanical irritation or acidic micro-aspiration chronically stimulates the vagus nerve endings located in the throat and airways. This continuous stimulation creates a self-perpetuating hypersensitivity reflex, where the airways attempt to … Read more