Flexible bronchoscopy in the diagnosis of chronic cough causes in non-smoking adults

A chronic cough (CC) is reported in 4-10% of the adult population and negatively affects quality of life [1-5]. Diagnosing and managing CC is challenging [3-5]. Initial evaluation typically includes chest radiography, spirometry, blood cell count (to detect blood eosinophils) and exhaled nitric oxide fraction, if available [4, 5]. Further diagnostic tests are warranted if clinical symptoms and basic tests cannot identify the cause of CC. Secondary diagnostic tests include oesophageal manometry or pH/impedance monitoring, induced sputum for eosinophils, laryngoscopy, bronchial provocation challenge, chest computed tomography (CT) and bronchoscopy [3-5].