Upper Airway Cough Syndrome
Upper airway cough syndrome (UACS), formerly known as postnasal drip syndrome, is characterized by upper airway and nasal irritation frequently caused by exposure to irritants, which include chemicals, dust, and allergens. UACS causes mucous to drip down the posterior naso- and oropharynx. The mucous can settle in the glottis (area above the windpipe) causing vocal cord or glottic stimulation resulting in a cough.
Consider nasal saline rinses, stay hydrated, and consult with a healthcare professional for personalized treatment options to alleviate the persistent cough associated with UACS.
Pain, scratchiness or irritation of the throat
or Clearing throat frequently
common
Cough with mucus or without mucus
Occurs or worsens at night
Dry at first then production of clear/white mucus, Production of clear-white mucus, Dry
An irritating cough that doesn't go away
Lasting 4 weeks or more
common
Reduced ability or completely losing sense of smell
or Inflammation of the nose caused by allergy
Management includes avoidance of environmental irritants and offending antigens, treatment of sinusitis with antibiotics, and weaning of patients off nasal decongestants for rhinitis medicamentosa; for patients in whom the cause is not apparent, empiric therapy should be instituted with a combination of an antihistamine and decongestant
If you have Upper Airway Cough Syndrome, then a visit to an ENT specialist is recommended.
Contact an
ENT specialist