Symptoms
Dry cough trigger (cervical)
Persistent dry cough sometimes has a contributing trigger point in longus colli or anterior SCM.
Overview
Persistent dry cough sometimes has a contributing trigger point in longus colli or anterior SCM. Identifying which muscle reproduces the patient's familiar pain on palpation guides treatment and often produces meaningful change alongside standard care.
Clinical notes
Exclude pulmonary and GERD causes first. Treat the muscular contributor when palpation reproduces the urge to cough.
Red flags — when to refer
Hemoptysis, weight loss, persistent fever — refer urgently.
Muscles often involved
References
- • Travell & Simons — Myofascial Pain and Dysfunction