postinfectious cough

Etiology

• subacute cough following an acute respiratory tract infection, especially viral or Mycoplasma

Pathology

• usually caused by postnasal drip or airway hyperreactivity

Clinical manifestations

• subacute cough (3-8 weeks duration)
• generally mild, dry cough
• generally improves since the time of initial infection

Differential diagnosis

• cough-variant asthma
• GERD
• Pertussis
  • paroxysmal cough, post-tussive vomiting, inspiratory whoop Mangagement:
• no evidence supports pharmaceutical management
  • includes inhaled corticosteroids, bronchodilators, & oral agents (antibiotics)
• further work-up if cough has not resolved within 8 weeks or if new symptoms appear

More general terms

• cough