Which condition is a primary etiology for chronic cough?

Chronic cough can be caused by a variety of underlying conditions, but asthma is notably a primary etiology. In asthma, the airways become chronically inflamed and hyperresponsive, leading to a persistent cough that often occurs especially at night or after exercise. The cough in asthma is typically associated with other symptoms like wheezing and shortness of breath, resulting from airway constriction and inflammation.

Asthma-induced cough is not merely a symptom but a characteristic feature of the disease itself, reflecting the underlying pathophysiology. It is often more pronounced when the disease is poorly controlled, making asthma a significant consideration when evaluating a patient with a chronic cough. While conditions like viral infections, acute bronchitis, and upper respiratory allergies can also cause coughing, they are more commonly associated with acute or shorter-term cough rather than a sustained, chronic cough. Thus, asthma stands out as a key causal factor for chronic cough due to its persistent airway involvement.