Advanced Patient Assessment Practice Exam

Which clinical condition most commonly causes a chronic cough?

1. Viral infection

2. Upper airway infection

3. Bronchopulmonary disease

4. Postnasal drip

The correct answer is: Postnasal drip

A chronic cough is most commonly caused by postnasal drip because this condition occurs when excess mucus drips down the back of the throat from the nasal passages, which can occur in response to allergies, sinus infections, or other irritants. The presence of this mucus can stimulate the cough reflex as the body attempts to clear the airway, making it a frequent cause of chronic coughing. Postnasal drip is particularly significant because it often persists long after the initial triggering condition has resolved. This means that even after a viral infection or upper respiratory infection is gone, the ongoing presence of postnasal drip can continue to lead to a cough. In contrast, while viral infections can lead to coughing, they are typically associated with acute respiratory symptoms rather than chronic issues. Upper airway infections and bronchopulmonary diseases also contribute to cough but are less common as persistent sources compared to postnasal drip. This highlights the importance of identifying underlying causes of chronic cough in order to provide targeted treatment.