The Cough

IN RELATIONSHIP WITH ENVIRONMENT

The Cough

Only a symptom
A reaction to an irritant
The range of irritants is quite wide
Cough causes and the environment

Environmental Causes

Viruses
Asthma
Allergens
Infections

Viruses

Infect the larynx, trachea or bronchi

Common viruses : Influenza, Rhinovirus, whooping cough
Up-regulation of cough receptors = post-viral cough
Best treatment is time usually
Correlation with Hygiene

Asthma

Bronchopasm, wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightening

Atopic vs. Non-atopic
High ozone levels, air pollution, allergens, dust mites,

cockroaches
The Hygiene Hypothesis
Prevention and Corticosteroids

Allergens
Allergic Rhinitis : An overreaction to molecules in the air
Increase of allergens during spring ie. Pollen
Red eyes, runny nose, skin irritation, COUGH
Anti-Histamines, glucocorticoids,

epinephrine,theophylline
Immunotherapy

Infectious Diseases

COPD

Tuberculosis

Sinusitis

Sources
http://www.acaai.org/allergist/asthma/asthma-

treatment/pages/default.aspx
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/info
http://www.webmd.com/hw-popup/tuberculosis
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health

THANK YOU

By Micheal Raad