Pathophysiology of Cough.

Otolaryngol Clin North Am 2026 May 27. [Online ahead of print]OC

Cough pathophysiology ranges from a simple reflex to a complex neuroimmune disorder involving intricate neural circuitry, peripheral sensitization, and central plasticity. The cough reflex is governed by a complex orchestration of sensory nerves and central brain structures. Chronic cough often results from peripheral and central sensitization, leading to hypersensitivity influenced by various physiologic and environmental factors. This advanced understanding is vital for developing personalized, mechanism-directed therapies for this prevalent condition.