Depression is common with chronic cough

Reported by Susan Aldridge, PhD, medical journalist

A study shows that over a half of those who suffer from chronic cough also have depression.
A cough can be very persistent and is actually among the commonest reasons for people seeking medical attention. A team at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine now report on how chronic cough is linked to depression.

They looked at 100 people who had had a cough for an average of nine years. Fifty three per cent were depressed - which was hardly surprising as many did not dare go out in case their cough annoyed people. The causes of chronic cough may sometimes be hard to identify but include post-nasal drip, asthma and gastroesophageal reflux. Getting a diagnosis is important as treatment is available once the reason for the cough has been determined.

Source
American Thoracic Society meeting 23rd May 2005

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