Chronic Cough

Question 1

How long is a cough considered acute?

What may be the cause of the cough?

Answer 1

<3 wks

post-infection, viral

Question 2

How long is a cough considered sub-chronic?

What may be the cause of the cough?

Answer 2

3-8 wks

pertussis, eosinophilic, bronchitis

Question 3

How long is a cough considered chronic?

What may be the cause?

Answer 3

> 8 wks

bronchitis, asthma, GERD, ACE-I, COPD, TB, allergic rhinitis, lung CA,

Question 4

What are the most common causes of cough?

Answer 4

upper airway cough syndrome [PND],
asthma
GERD
laryngopharyngeal reflux

Question 5

what lab tests should you order is you care concerned about
infection_____
COPD_____
TB ______

Answer 5

Infxn: CXR
COPD: Spirometry PFTs are diagnostic
TB: PPD

Question 6

What are important Hx questions you should ask?

Answer 6

smoking
exposures (at work, travel, sick)
incarceration

Question 7

what are important ROS sx should you ask?

Answer 7

General: wt loss, fever, syncope
Pulm: snoring, hemoptysis
CV: palpitations
Extremity: edema

Question 8

What must you check in the work-up of a cough?

What are you looking for?

Answer 8

Lungs - breath sounds, rales, rhonchi, crackles
CV - murmurs
extremities - peripheral edema

Question 9

what pt education MUST you give a pt if you are prescribing an inhaler?

Answer 9

HOW TO USE THE DAMN THING!