What is the most common cause of chronic cough in adults?

What is the most common cause of chronic cough in adults?

• A. Gastroesophageal reflux disease
• B. Upper airway cough syndrome
• C. Asthma
• D. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Answer: (B)

The key idea is that in adults, the most common cause of a chronic cough is upper airway cough syndrome, formerly known as postnasal drip syndrome, arising from chronic rhinitis or sinus disease. Mucus from the nose and sinuses drains into the throat, irritating the cough receptors and triggering a persistent cough. You’ll often hear accompanying nasal symptoms such as congestion, runny nose, or throat irritation, and the cough can be worse when lying down or upon awakening. This explanation fits best because, across the general adult population, postnasal drainage from nasal or sinus inflammation is more prevalent than reflux-related irritation, cough-variant asthma, or chronic bronchitis/COPD as the source of a long-standing cough. If a patient presents with nasal symptoms, addressing upper airway inflammation with intranasal corticosteroids, saline irrigation, and antihistamines can reduce the cough and help confirm the diagnosis. If cough persists despite treatment, reassess for asthma, GERD, or COPD.

The key idea is that in adults, the most common cause of a chronic cough is upper airway cough syndrome, formerly known as postnasal drip syndrome, arising from chronic rhinitis or sinus disease. Mucus from the nose and sinuses drains into the throat, irritating the cough receptors and triggering a persistent cough. You’ll often hear accompanying nasal symptoms such as congestion, runny nose, or throat irritation, and the cough can be worse when lying down or upon awakening.

This explanation fits best because, across the general adult population, postnasal drainage from nasal or sinus inflammation is more prevalent than reflux-related irritation, cough-variant asthma, or chronic bronchitis/COPD as the source of a long-standing cough. If a patient presents with nasal symptoms, addressing upper airway inflammation with intranasal corticosteroids, saline irrigation, and antihistamines can reduce the cough and help confirm the diagnosis. If cough persists despite treatment, reassess for asthma, GERD, or COPD.