OBJECTIVES: Chronic cough (CC) accounts for 10–38% of all referrals to respiratory physicians (Morice, 2007). Some patients suffer CC related to lung cancer (LC), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). Additionally a proportion of patients with CC with no explanatory etiology remains symptomatic despite treatment and is classified as suffering idiopathic chronic cough (ICC). To understand the burden of CC and ICC, a systematic literature search was conducted on the epidemiology, natural history, humanistic and economic burden. METHODS: A systematic search strategy was implemented in MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane HTA and NHS Centre for Review and Dissemination databases to identify relevant English language publications on the burden of cough since 2002. RESULTS: 1447 publications were identified in the search and an additional 10 from bibliographic review. Of these 98 articles were selected for further review using pre-defined inclusion criteria. The reported prevalence of CC varies between countries (9 to 33%); very limited information on CC in LC, COPD, IPF and ICC was found. Prolonged hypersensitivity of the cough reflex has been proposed as a mechanism, partly explaining resistance to treatment of CC and ICC. Patients’ quality of life deteriorates due to insomnia, urinary incontinence, social disability or depression. Only one economic evaluation investigating the cost effectiveness of managing CC of unknown etiology was identified. It demonstrated that empirical treatment is the cheapest management option for CC, while cough management involving diagnostic procedures recommended by American College Chest Physicians is the most expensive option. CONCLUSIONS: The published literature on CC and ICC is extremely limited. Further research is needed to understand the humanistic and economic burden of these conditions and implement proper disease assessment. However, appropriate diagnosis and management of ICC and CC in COPD, IPF and LC create a significant unmet need.