Abstract

Nonasthmatic eosinophilic bronchitis (NAEB) is a chronic inflamatory disease of the airways which consists of mostly eosinophilic infiltration. It has been observed in 10-15% of patients presenting with a chronic cough. It should be considered as a cause of chronic cough when patients complain of chronic cough persisting more than three months. However, the cough is not associated with wheeze, dyspnea, haemoptysis, dysphagia or postnasal drip. The factors responsible for the etiology and pathogenesis are smoking, atophy, allergens, occupational factors and cytokines in addition to eosinophilic airway inflamation. Physical examination findings are normal. Laboratory studies reveal normal spirometry, normal methacholine airway responsiveness and no PEF variability. The gold standard for diagnosis of NAEB is an increased eosinophil ratio in sputum. Cough can resolve with inhaled corticosteroids. Oral corticosteroids can be used in some cases.