1 Dry cough for at least 3 weeks without wheezing or dyspnoea 2 No response to bronchodilator therapy 3 One or more findings suggesting an atopic predisposition† or induced sputum eosinophilia 4 Relief of cough with histamine H1 antagonists and/or steroids †Findings suggesting an atopic predisposition: (i) Current or past history of an allergic disorder than asthma; (ii) Peripheral blood eosinophilia; (iii) Increased serum total IgE; (iv)Positive for specific IgE; and (v) Positive intradermal allergen test

Table 2: Simplified diagnostic criteria for atopic cough (must fulfil all criteria 1–4)