Ten Years of Chronic Cough in a 64-Year-Old Man With Multiple Pulmonary Nodules

A 64-year-old male former smoker with a history of prostate cancer presented to our pulmonary clinic, complaining of nonproductive cough for 10 years. Prior evaluation included treatment for upper airway cough syndrome and gastroesophageal reflux, stopping angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor, and initiation of inhaled β-agonists. Esophageal pH monitoring indicated silent reflux, and proton pump inhibitor therapy was started. He continued to cough and complain of dyspnea. Physical examination produced unremarkable results, with no evidence of lymphadenopathy. Pulmonary function tests showed a pseudo-restrictive pattern with air trapping, hyperreactivity, and incomplete bronchodilator responsiveness: FEV₁, 2.48 L (69% of predicted); FVC, 3.57 L (75% of predicted); FEV₁/FVC, 92%; total lung capacity, 7.00 L (100% of predicted); and residual volume, 3.05 L (136% of predicted). Laboratory studies, including a complete metabolic panel, prostate-specific antigen test, and complete blood count, yielded normal results.