Analysing the causes of chronic cough: relation to diesel exhaust, ozone, nitrogen oxides, sulphur oxides and other environmental factors
2006
Causes of Chronic Cough Related to Air Pollution
publication
Evidence: moderate
Author Information
Author(s): Groneberg-Kloft Beatrix, Kraus Thomas, Mark Anke van, Wagner Ulrich, Fischer Axel
Primary Institution: Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin
Hypothesis
The study analyzes the effects of common environmental factors as potential causes of chronic cough.
Conclusion
Environmental air pollution is associated with the prevalence of chronic cough in both adults and children.
Supporting Evidence
- Chronic inhalation of diesel can lead to the development of cough.
- Long-term exposure to nitrogen dioxide (NO2) is associated with increased incidences of chronic cough in children.
- High levels of pollutants and their interaction with sunlight produce ozone (O3), which can lead to chronic cough.
Takeaway
Air pollution can make people cough a lot, and this happens to both kids and adults.
Methodology
A PubMed research was performed using terms related to cough and environmental factors, and relevant data was analyzed.
Limitations
Confounding by other exposures such as tobacco smoke may affect the results.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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