title: [Importance of laryngologic examination in chronic cough].
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This study aims to investigate the distribution of etiologic factors related to otorhinolaryngology in chronic cough patients with normal lung examination and spirometric findings, and also highlight the importance of videolaryngostroboscopic (VLS) examination with these patients.
  
  
  METHODS
  Seventy-six patients (31 males, 45 females; mean age 48.0±15.5 years; range 18 to 83 year) who applied to pulmonology outpatient clinic with cough complaint for more than two months were included in the study. After being evaluated by a pulmonologist, patients were referred to otolaryngology outpatient clinic. To detect the underlying cause of cough, patients' detailed histories, and flexible fiberoptic endoscopy and VLS findings were reviewed. Reflux symptom index (RSI) was used for the diagnosis of gastroesophageal reflux.
  
  
  RESULTS
  In RSI ≥13 group, posterior commissure edema was detected in 12 patients (42.9%), and posterior commissure hyperemia was detected in four patients (14.3%). These findings were statistically significantly higher than RSI <13 group (p=0.006 and p=0.016, respectively). No significant difference was present between the group of patients with allergic rhinitis and the group of patients without allergic rhinitis in terms of VLS findings. Mucopurulent secretion rate in posterior commissure in patients with acute sinusitis findings was statistically higher than patients without acute sinusitis findings (p<0.001).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Chronic cough is a common symptom of many different diseases. Therefore, a multidisciplinary approach is important for diagnosis. Videolaryngostroboscopy is a valuable examination tool in the differential diagnosis of gastroesophageal reflux and acute sinusitis.
authors.affiliation: Department of Otolaryngology, Ankara Training and Research Hospital, 06340 Altındağ, Ankara, Turkey. arzualanya@yahoo.com.
authors.forename: Arzu
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Tüzüner
authors.forename: Sule
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Demirci
authors.forename: Gülden
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Bilgin
authors.forename: Filiz
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Aydoğan
authors.forename: Ali
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Çağlı
authors.forename: Kürşat Murat
authors.initials: KM
authors.lastname: Özcan
authors.forename: Erdal
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Samim
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002908:Chronic Disease; D003371:Cough / Q000209:etiology*; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D005764:Gastroesophageal Reflux / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010036:Otolaryngology; D065631:Rhinitis, Allergic / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology; D055815:Young Adult