Family Nurse Practitioner Exam

Which of the following is NOT implicated in causing chronic cough?

1. Chronic bronchitis

2. Allergic rhinitis

3. Acute viral upper respiratory infection

4. Gastroesophageal reflux disease

The correct answer is: Acute viral upper respiratory infection

Chronic cough is typically defined as a cough lasting longer than eight weeks and can be caused by various underlying conditions. Acute viral upper respiratory infections are generally characterized by symptoms such as a runny nose, sore throat, and cough that last for a short duration, usually less than three weeks. While an acute viral infection may lead to symptoms like coughing during its course, it does not constitute a chronic condition that would result in a prolonged cough. In contrast, chronic bronchitis is a persistent inflammation of the bronchi that results in daily productive cough, and allergic rhinitis can lead to post-nasal drip, contributing to a chronic cough. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is also known to cause chronic cough due to acid irritants entering the esophagus and subsequently reaching the larynx and respiratory tract. Therefore, the acute nature of acute viral upper respiratory infections makes it distinct from the other options, which are all recognized as contributing factors to chronic cough.