Epidemiology

The prevalence of chronic cough is estimated to be between 5% and 33% depending on the definition and diagnostic methodology employed.[5][6]​​[7] Within a population of patients with chronic cough it is estimated that approximately 10% to 70% of cases are associated with upper airway abnormalities that fulfill the criteria for upper airway cough syndrome.[3][8][9]

Significant global differences exist. In studies from Japan and the US, upper airway abnormalities are reported to be the most common cause of chronic cough.[7][10]​​ However, in the UK fewer than 25% of patients reported a postnasal drip sensation during an episode of chronic cough.[3] This variance may be due to a true global variation, or may relate to differing global definitions, different levels of awareness of the symptom by different populations, and a lack of standardized methodology for evaluating these symptoms.[2] In formal research settings, where the studies have stringent criteria, the prevalence of nasal disease coexisting with chronic cough tends to be lower.[11]

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