Non-Asthmatic Seasonal Cough in an Atopic Subject : Successful Treatment with Specific Immunotherapy

Abstract

A 28-year-old woman suffering from Japanese cedar pollinosis was admitted in October 1992 because of severe intractable cough which was resistant to bronchodilators and antibiotics. The patient had had similar episodes of coughing in autumn but not in other seasons in the previous 2 years, and had never had wheezing. Chest X-ray films and pulmonary function tests were normal. Methacholine challenge test results were negative. Serum IgE antibodies against house dust, mites and Japanese cedar pollen were positive. Since no obvious causes of coughing were found and allergy was suspected, specific immunotherapy for house dust and Japanese cedar pollen was initiated. The patient has been free of coughing for the past 4 years. This case provides suggestions as to the relationship between persistent cough and allergy.