Evaluation of chronic cough in an immunology and allergy clinic in the Black Sea region: Causes, prevalence and outcomes

Abstract

Aim: Chronic cough, one of the most common symptoms of respiratory diseases, is a condition that negatively affects patients' quality of life, prevents social activities, and is accompanied by a significant social burden. In addition, the causes of chronic cough may vary according to age and geographical location. Therefore, in this study, we wanted to examine the causes and frequency of chronic cough in the Black Sea region.

Methods:  One hundred six patients age over 18 years with coughs lasting more than 8 weeks were examined retrospectively at the immunology and allergy polyclinic. Initial evaluations included details on   ACE inhibitory use and smoking, allergy symptoms, reflux,   chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, malignancy symptoms.  Relevant diagnostic tests were performed if suspected. General tests included chest radiographs, pulmonary function tests, allergy prick tests, and neck ultrasounds.

Results: The most common causes are respectively asthma (28%), gastroesophageal reflux (26%), allergic respiratory diseases (16%), ACE inhibitor use (13%) and smoking (9.5%), Sjogren’s syndrome (8.4%). The most common allergen detected in allergic respiratory diseases is house dust mite (82%).

Conclusion: Asthma is leading causes of chronic cough.  Additionally, 56.7% of asthma cases were allergic asthma. Sjogren’s syndrome also significantly contributes to chronic cough. This study is one of the first studies on the causes and treatment effects of chronic cough in the Black Sea Region of Türkiye.