Name of the Condition

• Cough Variant Asthma (CVA)

Summary

Cough variant asthma is a form of asthma in which the primary symptom is a chronic cough. Unlike typical asthma, it does not usually involve the wheezing or breathlessness commonly associated with the condition. CVA can lead to full-blown asthma if untreated.

Causes

• It is primarily caused by airway inflammation and hyperresponsiveness similar to classic asthma.
• Triggers include allergens, respiratory infections, cold air, and exercise.

Risk Factors

• Family history of asthma or other allergic conditions.
• Smoking or exposure to secondhand smoke.
• Occupational or environmental pollutant exposure.
• Existing allergic conditions such as rhinitis or eczema.

Symptoms

• Persistent cough, often exacerbated by exercise, cold air, or allergens.
• The cough is usually non-productive and may worsen at night.

Diagnosis

• Pulmonary function tests to detect airway hyperresponsiveness.
• Methacholine challenge tests for confirming asthma.
• Evaluation of the patient's response to asthma medications.

Treatment Options

• Inhaled corticosteroids to reduce airway inflammation.
• Short-acting bronchodilators to relieve acute symptoms.
• Leukotriene modifiers as a preventive measure.
• Long-term monitoring and adjustment of treatment plans as needed.

Prognosis and Follow-Up

• With proper treatment, patients can manage symptoms effectively and prevent progression to classic asthma.
• Regular follow-ups are crucial to monitor treatment effectiveness and adjust medications.

Complications

• Potential progression to classic asthma with wheezing and breathlessness.
• Impact on quality of life due to persistent coughing and associated sleep disturbances.

Lifestyle & Prevention

• Avoiding known triggers such as smoke, allergens, and cold air.
• Maintaining a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise and a balanced diet.
• Using air purifiers and allergen-proof bedding to minimize exposure.

When to Seek Professional Help

• Persistent cough lasting more than eight weeks, especially if it affects daily activities or sleep.
• Any difficulty breathing or chest tightness associated with coughing.

Additional Resources

• American Lung Association lung.org
• Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America aafa.org
• Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) ginasthma.org

Tips for Medical Coders

• Ensure accurate clinical documentation reflecting the primary symptom of cough without wheezing.
• Confirm that coding reflects the specific condition J45.991 distinguishing it from other asthma variants.
• Avoid common errors like coding for classic asthma unless additional symptoms indicate such.