Cough

Question 1

History

Answer 1

Duration of cough.
Type of cough (dry or productive).
Precipitating or exacerbating factors.
Diurnal variation.
Smoking history.
Occupational history.
Recent respiratory tract infection.
Breathlessness, 
wheeze, indigestion, reflux, chest or shoulder pain, haemoptysis, weight loss, and fever.

Question 2

Examination

Answer 2

TPR
O2 sats
Chest examination - visual, auscultation and percussion

Question 3

Management

Answer 3

Self care..
- Fluids, rest etc.
Prescribe
Simple linctus or paracetamol depending
If wheeze then inhaler /in infection then depending on other conditions antibiotics or delayed
Safety netting if gets worse or not improving

Question 4

Red flags

Answer 4

Haemoptysis
Pleuritic pain/ substernal pain/Chest pain
Recent surgery
Signs of DVT
Breathlessness/ low sats <94