Chronic cough: a manifestation of bronchial asthma.

Current theories of cough have been reviewed and related to the pathophysiology of bronchial asthma. The cough reflex arc and its association with the phenomenon of bronchial hyperreactivity have been stressed. A review of the recent literature suggests that bronchodilator therapy will modify this reflex and eliminate cough in most patients. The mechanism of action of bronchodilators may be associated with modification of bronchial hyperreactivity.