Chronic cough and the use of indoor ‘plug-ins’

The British Thoracic Society has issued recommendations on the management of cough in adults (September 2006). They confirm that chronic cough is common, and affects up to 16% of the population with a female predominance. Common causes are discussed and include smoking, asthma, rhinitis, and reflux with obesity and side effects of drugs. Their management/treatments are reviewed. Exposure to pollutants and environmental irritants are stated as aggravating factors, with outdoor pollution from traffic and allergens mentioned in outline. This report includes four cases of cough which ceased after indoor ‘plug ins’ were switched off; these devices release aerosols of perfumed fragrances into the environment for a persistent pleasant odour of flowers.