Editing Cough (section)

===Reactive airway disease===
When coughing is the only complaint of a person who meets the criteria for asthma ([[bronchial hyperresponsiveness]] and reversibility), this is termed [[cough-variant asthma]]. Atopic cough and [[eosinophilic bronchitis]] are related conditions. Atopic cough occurs in individuals with a [[family history]] of [[atopy]] (an allergic condition), abundant [[eosinophils]] in the sputum, but with normal airway function and responsiveness. Eosinophilic bronchitis is characterized by [[eosinophils]] in sputum and in [[bronchoalveolar lavage]] fluid without airway hyperresponsiveness or an atopic background.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Niimi |first1=A |title=Cough and Asthma |journal=Current Respiratory Medicine Reviews |date=February 2011 |volume=7 |issue=1 |pages=47–54 |doi=10.2174/157339811794109327 |pmid=22081767 |pmc=3182093}}</ref> This condition responds to treatment with [[corticosteroids]]. Cough can also worsen in an [[acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease]].

Asthma is a common cause of chronic cough in adults and children. Coughing may be the only symptom the person has from their asthma, or asthma symptoms may also include wheezing, shortness of breath, and a tight feeling in their chest. Depending on how severe the asthma is, it can be treated with bronchodilators (medicine which causes the airways to open up) or inhaled steroids. Treatment of the asthma should make the cough go away.

[[Bronchitis#Chronic bronchitis|Chronic bronchitis]] is defined clinically as a persistent cough that produces sputum (phlegm) and mucus, for at least three months in two consecutive years. Chronic bronchitis is often the cause of "[[smoker's cough]]". The tobacco smoke causes inflammation, secretion of mucus into the airway, and difficulty clearing that mucus out of the airways. Coughing helps clear those secretions out. May be treated by quitting smoking. May also be caused by [[pneumoconiosis]] and long-term fume inhalation.