ABSTRACT
Cough is one of the most common presenting symptoms to a general practi-
tioner. Most cases are acute and self-limiting, although a significant minority with an isolated persistent cough are referred for a specialist opinion.
The prevalence of chronic cough is variously estimated between 3% and 20% in the general population and is responsible for between 5% and 10% of respiratory outpatient referrals (1,2). These patients suffer considerable
physical and psychological morbidity.
