Red Flags for a Cough

Question 1

what are the main red flag causes of a cough?

Answer 1

Lung cancer.
Pneumonia.
Asthma.
COPD.
Tuberculosis.
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, and other interstitial lung diseases, including sarcoidosis.
Bronchiectasis

Question 2

have you brought up any blood when coughing?

Answer 2

haemoptysis
lung cancer, tuberculosis, pneumonia

Question 3

is this cough new in the last three weeks? or has it lasted longer than that?

Answer 3

lung cancer, asthma

Question 4

have you experienced any unintentional weight loss over the last few months?

Answer 4

more than 5kg significant? ask about food intake or reduced appetite as well.

Question 5

have you experienced any shortness of breath during this cough?

Answer 5

if yes, do they sleep on extra pillows?

Question 6

have you had any night sweats?

Answer 6

how often and how has it been affecting their QOL?

Question 7

what would you recommend for investigations?

Answer 7

Xray, CT of chest, 2 week wait?
sputum sample

Question 8

what are some risk factors for cough hx?

Answer 8

smoking.
age >50
occupational risks (steel, mining, construction)
history of atopy
family history of cough
risk factors for TB- high risk countries, recent travel