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Cough variant asthma is a type of asthma, characterized by chronic cough, dry or nonproductive. Unlike asthma, cough variant asthma is usually not accompanied by any symptoms, other than non-productive dry cough that can last 6-8 weeks. Typical symptoms of asthma such as wheezing and shortness of breath are not usually seen in patients with cough variant asthma. whistle actually occurs when the airways narrow during an asthma attack. However, cough variant asthma may cause constriction of the airways and therefore does not necessarily cause wheezing and shortness of breath. However, this type of asthma can cause inflammation and swelling of the airways.

The causes of cough variant asthma

The exact causes of cough variant asthma is not sufficiently known, although the same allergens associated with asthma, such as dust and pollen can also trigger a crisis of chronic cough. Just breathing cold air can also trigger such an attack. Another important factor may be beta-blockers, which are used to treat a number of health conditions, including hypertension and heart disease. In addition, other important causes are post nasal drip, sinusitis, acid reflux disease and smoking habit. Often, chronic cough was also observed to follow an upper respiratory tract infection.

Symptoms of cough variant asthma

persistent dry cough is productive or not the classic symptom, and often only cough variant asthma in children and adults. As already mentioned, this type of asthma may not present typical symptoms such as asthma, breathlessness, wheezing and sound while breathing. However, a dry cough may worsen, especially at night and during exercise.

Cough variant asthma diagnosis and treatment

The diagnosis of cough variant asthma is a bit difficult. Even X-ray tests such as spirometry or lung function test may show normal results for chronic cough because of the absence of any airway obstruction. So if the test results are normal, doctors perform a test, known as "positive methacholine inhalation challenge (MIC) test. In this test, the patient is allowed to inhale methacholine, which causes spasm and narrowing respiratory tract, where the patient suffers from asthma. However, even when methacholine challenge (MIC), the test is positive, it can not be definitively concluded that the person has cough variant asthma. The condition is confirmed if symptoms respond to treatment or usual asthma treatment.

Cough variant asthma is treated with the same drugs that are normally used for asthma. Bronchodilators such as albuterol and ipratropium is more commonly used to treat the disease. In addition to bronchodilators, inhaled corticosteroids are also used for the treatment of cough variant asthma. It may take several days for the symptoms fade or disappear completely. However, occasional cough may worsen in some people after using steroid inhalers. It is therefore very important to take medication under the supervision of a physician.

Recognizing cough variant asthma is a bit difficult because of the absence of symptoms of asthma often. So if the cough lasts more than 6-8 weeks, you should discuss with your doctor to find and treat the root causes. With treatment, avoiding specific allergens such as dust, pollen and even cold air is also essential to reduce the frequency and severity of cough variant asthma for example.