Managing Chronic Cough Due to Asthma and NAEB in Adults and Adolescents

Patient Guideline Summary

Publication Date: January 1, 2020
Last Updated: March 3, 2023

Objective

Objective

This patient summary means to discuss key recommendations from the American College of Chest Physicians for managing chronic cough due to asthma and NAEB in adults and adolescents. It is limited to adults and adolescents.

Overview

Overview

  • Asthma and non-asthmatic eosinophilic bronchitis (NAEB) are among the commonest causes of chronic cough in adults and adolescents.
    • Cough can be the only symptom of “cough variant asthma.”
  • We will use the abbreviation NAEB throughout this summary to refer to non-asthmatic eosinophilic bronchitis.
  • This patient summary focuses on treating cough due to asthma or NAEB.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis

  • Because these diagnoses are uncertain, further testing may be required if treatment is unsatisfactory.
    • Testing for fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) or eosinophils (allergy cells) in blood and sputum (phlegm) may be helpful.

Treatment

Treatment

  • The first choice for both conditions is inhaled corticosteroids (cortisone) in increasing doses.
  • The second choice is an inhaled leukotriene inhibitor.

Abbreviations

  • FeNO: Fractional Exhaled Nitric Oxide
  • NAEB: Non-asthmatic Eosinophilic Bronchitis

Source Citation

Côté A, Russell RJ, Boulet LP, Gibson PG, Lai K, Irwin RS, Brightling CE; CHEST Expert Cough Panel. Managing Chronic Cough Due to Asthma and NAEB in Adults and Adolescents: CHEST Guideline and Expert Panel Report. Chest. 2020 Jul;158(1):68-96. doi: 10.1016/j.chest.2019.12.021. Epub 2020 Jan 20. PMID: 31972181.

Disclaimer

The information in this patient summary should not be used as a substitute for professional medical care or advice. Contact a health care provider if you have questions about your health.