Research advences of eosinophilic bronchitis

Eosinophilic bronchitis (EB) is one of the major causes of chronic cough.It is now showing a gradually rising morbidity,which accouts for 17.2％ in our country as reported in a recent study published on Chest.EB is characterized by chronic cough in the presence of normal pulmonary imaging,normal spirometry,normal peak expiratory flow variability,and also in the absence of airway hyper-responsiveness.It is usually distinguished from others by induced sputum eosinophilia.As regard to treatments,corticosteroids is the first-line pharmacotherapy.Until now,the etiology and pathogenesis of EB still remains unclear.The aim of this article is to review the epidemiology,etiology,pathophysiology,pathogenesis,diagnosis,treatment and prognosis of this condition. Key words: Chronic cough ;  Eosinophilic airway inflammation ;  Eosinophilic bronchitis