Tests to detect GERD may include 24-h monitoring of acidity in the esophagus with a catheter. Treatment of GERD includes dietary restrictions and antireflux drugs, and occasionally, surgery. Treatment of cough due to GERD also includes treatment of any other conditions causing cough. Chronic Bronchitis Chronic bronchitis is a frequent cause of chronic cough, especially in smokers. Tobacco smoke causes airway inflammation, excessive mucus secretion, and impairment of normal clearance of mucus.
Effective cough is important for the smoker, as it helps clear excessive mucus from the airway.
Smoking cessation is the only fully effective treatment for chronic cough due to chronic bronchitis in a smoker. Smokers should be aware, however, that cough is also an important symptom of lung cancer, which is primarily a disease of smokers. Bronchiectasis Cough is one of the most important symptoms of bronchiectasis, a lung disease in which the bronchial tree is dilated and chronically colonized by bacteria. Bronchiectasis is most likely to occur in persons with cystic fibrosis and persons who have multiple respiratory infections, especially in childhood. Effective cough is essential for the person with bronchiectasis.