Approaching chronic cough |
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Authors: | Vijo Poulose Pei Yee Tiew Choon How How |
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Institution: | 1.Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Changi General Hospital, Singapore;2.Care and Health Integration, Changi General Hospital, Singapore |
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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. |
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Keywords: | chronic cough subacute cough |
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