Approaching chronic cough.
- Author:
Vijo POULOSE
1
;
Pei Yee TIEW
1
;
Choon How HOW
2
Author Information
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords: chronic cough; subacute cough
- MeSH: Asthma; complications; diagnosis; Chronic Disease; Cough; diagnosis; etiology; Diagnosis, Differential; Gastroesophageal Reflux; complications; diagnosis; Humans
- From:Singapore medical journal 2016;57(2):60-63
- CountrySingapore
- Language:English
- Abstract: Chronic cough is one of the most common reasons for referral to a respiratory physician. Although fatal complications are rare, it may cause considerable distress in the patient's daily life. Western and local data shows that in patients with a normal chest radiograph, the most common causes are postnasal drip syndrome, postinfectious cough, gastro-oesophageal reflux disease and cough variant asthma. Less common causes are the use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, smoker's cough and nonasthmatic eosinophilic bronchitis. A detailed history-taking and physical examination will provide a diagnosis in most patients, even at the primary care level. Some cases may need further investigations or specialist referral for diagnosis.
