Effect of the treatment of iron deficiency anemia on chronic drug-resistant cough: a rare case report

Background

A persistent difficult-to-treat cough can be exhausting. Iron is an essential element that plays an important role in regulating the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, and its deficiency may potentiate airway inflammation and dysfunction. There is a paucity of data regarding a link between iron deficiency (ID) and idiopathic cough.

Objectives

In this study, a case of persistent non-productive cough, which was unresponsive to targeted treatment approaches but responsive to iron therapy, is reported.

Methods

A 53-year-old woman came to a medical clinic with complaints of a chronic and progressive non-productive cough. She underwent a complete clinical and paraclinical evaluation.

Results

Her vital signs were stable and no abnormalities were found on the physical examination. The results of the spirometry and chest radiography were unremarkable. The laboratory test indicated hypochromic microcytic anemia, with a hemoglobin value of 9.6 g/dL. Her cough was resolved after treatment of iron-deficiency anemia with an oral nutraceutical capsule containing 28 mg of elemental iron (as ferrous bis-glycinate) plus folic acid, vitamin B12, and vitamin C, once daily for six months.

Conclusion

In the case of unexplained chronic cough, resistant to targeted therapies, investigation and treatment of ID may contribute to the resolution of cough.

Graphical abstract