What are some less common causes of chronic cough?
Chronic cough can be a presenting symptom in patients who have tumors, sarcoidosis, or other diseases of the lung. Each of these conditions requires special and extensive investigation to be definitively diagnosed. Patients taking angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI) drugs, have also complained of recurring cough. These drugs are frequently used in the treatment of hypertension, congestive heart failure, and myocardial infarction. Although the direct cause (i.e. pathophysiology) between the two (ACEI drugs and chronic cough) has yet to be established, it is estimated that 10 – 20% of patients taking ACEI drugs will develop cough.
