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Cough in Asthma
Bitsakou Ch.
SUMMARY: Asthma is generally reported as a frequent cause of chronic
cough especially in children. Cough due to asthma is commonly accompanied by
wheezing or dyspnea but it can be the sole manifestation of asthma (cough variant
asthma). The possible mechanisms for the asthmatic cough is inflammation mainly
localized at the central airways, bronchoconstriction or increased sensitivity
of the cough receptors. The diagnosis of asthma in case of cough variant asthma
is not always easy and the bronchial provocation test is of great value especially
when spirometry and reversibility tests are negative. The asthmatic cough is
treated just like classic asthma and the use of per os steroids is sometimes
necessary. The response of cough to the antiasthmatic treatment is a safe criterion
for the diagnosis of asthma. Pneumon 2000, 13(1):57-63
Key words: Asthma, cough.
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