What are common causes of acute cough in adults?

The correct response is grounded in the understanding of acute cough etiology in adults. Acute cough is typically defined as a cough lasting less than three weeks and can result from a variety of conditions.

Viral infections are the most prevalent cause, often leading to acute bronchitis or upper respiratory infections, which are marked by significant coughing as the body tries to clear the airways of mucus and irritants. Allergies can also trigger acute coughing through histamine release, enhancing airway sensitivity and inflammation, prompting cough reflexes. Asthma exacerbations are characterized by wheezing and coughing, especially during an episode where inflammation and bronchospasm occur.

While the other options contain valid conditions that can cause cough, they pertain more commonly to chronic effects or specific scenarios. Chronic bronchitis and pneumonia generally manifest with cough that lasts longer than acute episodes and are usually associated with underlying chronic respiratory issues. Gastroesophageal reflux can cause chronic cough due to aspiration but is less common as a direct cause of an acute cough, while lung cancer typically develops subtle symptoms over a longer timeframe, making it an atypical cause of acute cough.

Thus, the spectrum of conditions listed in the correct answer encompasses the most common and immediate triggers for acute cough in adults, reflecting an accurate