What specific tests can measure the cough threshold?

The cough threshold is the point at which a stimulus, such as an irritant, induces a cough. Tests designed to quantify irritant concentration are specifically aimed at determining how much of an irritant is required to elicit a cough response. These tests often involve administering various concentrations of known irritants and observing the corresponding cough responses. By calculating the concentration at which the cough reflex occurs, healthcare providers can assess the sensitivity of an individual's cough reflex. This type of testing is particularly useful in understanding conditions such as chronic cough or assessing airway hyper-responsiveness.

Other options, like respiratory disease resolution tests, standard lung function tests, and blood tests for inflammation, do not specifically measure the cough threshold. While these tests provide valuable information about general lung function and the presence of inflammation, they do not target the specific mechanism or threshold of the cough reflex itself.