Cough is classified in Adults  based on the duration of the cough

• Acute cough - Present for up to 3 weeks

• Subacute Cough - Present for more than 3 to 8 weeks

• Chronic Cough - Present for longer than 8 weeks

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Common Causes of Acute Cough

• Acute upper and lower respiratory tract infections

• Exacerbation of chronic conditions- Asthma, COPD, Rhinosinusitis, Heart failure

 

Common Causes of Subacute Cough

• Post-infection cough

• Pertussis

• Exacerbation of underlying diseases (asthma, COPD, and chronic rhinitis)

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Common Causes of Chronic Cough

• Asthma

• GERD (Gastroesophageal reflux disorder)​

• UACS (Upper Airway Cough Syndrome) 

• NAEB (Nonasthmatic esoinophilic bronchitis)

• Medication side effects (ACE inhibitors-lisinopril, losartan)

• Smoking history

• Aspiration risk history

• Cardiopulmonary disease

• Chronic Refractory Cough (aka idiopathic chronic cough, cough hypersensitivity syndrome)

• Somatic Cough disorder

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Treatments

Treatment is based on an extensive workup for various conditions as mentioned above

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