From Psychogenic Cough to Somatic Cough Syndrome

Abstract

Patients with various etiologies of chronic cough may have psychological disorders, and those with psychological disorders may also exhibit physical symptoms such as coughing. The terminology “psychogenic cough” and “somatic cough syndrome” have been used to describe chronic cough patients with underlying psychological issues, but both terms lack clear definitions and diagnostic criteria. This article provides a review of the definition changes, pathogenesis, and diagnostic and therapeutic points related to chronic cough with comorbid psychological disorders based on relevant studies of psychogenic cough and somatic cough syndrome.