From the Guidelines
Association between Chronic Cough and Radon Exposure
Chronic cough is significantly associated with exposure to radon, a radioactive gas, particularly at concentrations exceeding typical indoor levels, as radon exposure is known to cause damage to the DNA of cells in the respiratory epithelium 1.
- The primary concern with radon exposure is its link to lung cancer, with estimates suggesting that about 15,000 to 20,000 lung cancer deaths per year in the United States are caused by radon 1.
- While the evidence directly linking chronic cough to radon exposure is less explicit, the association between radon and lung cancer, alongside the understanding that radon can cause respiratory epithelial damage, supports the notion that chronic cough could be a symptom related to radon exposure 1.
- Management of chronic cough potentially related to radon exposure may involve reducing radon levels through mitigation measures such as sealing or ventilating basements, as well as medical management with bronchodilators and inhaled corticosteroids for symptom relief 1.
- Reduction of radon exposure is crucial, not only to alleviate respiratory symptoms like chronic cough but also to prevent long-term respiratory damage and reduce the risk of lung cancer 1.
- Other environmental exposures, such as to allergens, irritants, and air pollutants, can also trigger or exacerbate chronic cough, highlighting the importance of a comprehensive assessment of an individual's environment in managing chronic cough 1.
From the Research
Association between Chronic Cough and Radon Exposure
There are no research papers to assist in answering this question, as none of the provided studies investigate the association between chronic cough and radon (Radiation Absorbed Dose) exposure.
Chronic Cough Studies
- The studies provided focus on the management and treatment of chronic cough, including its pathophysiology, diagnosis, and pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic treatment options 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- They discuss the common causes of chronic cough, such as asthma, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and upper airway cough syndrome, and the importance of a systematic approach to exclude these causes before referral to secondary care 2, 5.
- The studies also highlight the need for further research into the mechanisms of chronic cough and the development of novel therapies, including neuronal treatments 4, 6.