Cough

Question 1

What are the 6 causes of a cough?

Answer 1

1. Asthma
2. COPD
3. Infections
4. Interstitial lung disease (anything that causes lung fibrosis)
5. Allergy/post nasal drip
6. GERD

Question 2

What 2 past history questions do you ask for a cough?

Answer 2

1. Acute or chronic?
   - Acute = infection, aspiration, CHF
   - Chronic = asthma, COPD, Interstitial lung disease
2. Productive?
   - Dry = drug induced/allergies/asthma/ILD
   - Purulent sputum = bronchitis/pneumonia

Question 3

What is the diagnosis for RUST COLOURED SPUTUM? (blood tinged)

Answer 3

Streptococcus Pneumoniae (Pneumonia)

Elderly and young are more susceptible

Question 4

What is the diagnosis for FOUL SMELLING SPUTUM?

Answer 4

Aspiration pneumonia

Question 5

What is the diagnosis for DAILY MORNING COUGH?

Answer 5

Chronic bronchitis (from 3 months to 2 years)

Smoking

Question 6

What is the diagnosis for COUGH WITH EXERTION?

Answer 6

Exercise induced asthma (atopic asthma, exposed to allergens)

CHF

Question 7

What is the diagnosis for HACKING/HIGH-PITCHED COUGH?

Answer 7

Bordetella Pertussis (after acute infection)

Question 8

What is the diagnosis for SUPPRESSED COUGH?

Answer 8

MAI infection (mycobacterium avium-intracellulare)
Immunocompromised patient