Post-infectious persistent cough: pathogenesis and therapeutic options

Minerva Pediatr. 2017 Oct;69(5):444-452. doi: 10.23736/S0026-4946.17.04958-1. Epub 2017 May 31.

Abstract

Post-infectious cough is a common symptom associated with common colds and/or upper respiratory tract infection. This cough is expected to last for only for few days and resolve spontaneously, whilst when persists for longer than three weeks is defined "persistent" and is associated tickling or an irritating sensation in the throat which often leads to paroxysms of coughing. Persistent post-infectious cough can cause morbidity since it may interfere with usual living. Despite the recent advances in understanding the mechanisms that regulate cough, in physiological and pathological conditions, current therapeutic options for post-infectious cough are little or only moderately effective.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Chronic Disease
  • Common Cold / complications*
  • Cough / etiology
  • Cough / physiopathology
  • Cough / therapy*
  • Humans
  • Respiratory Tract Infections / complications*
  • Time Factors
  • Treatment Outcome