Peer Reviewed
Feature Article
Management of chronic cough in adults
Abstract
Cough is one of the most common causes of presentation to GPs. Although not life threatening, chronic cough causes severe impairment of a patient’s quality of life. Algorithm-based approaches to investigation and empirical treatment for the four common causes should resolve this condition in more than 90% of cases.
Key Points
- Cough is one of the most common causes of presentation to GPs. Chronic cough causes major physical and psychological morbidity.
- Chronic cough may be assessed qualitatively and semiquantitatively using cough counters and cough sensitivity testing.
- In most cases, chronic cough is caused by asthma, gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD), postnasal drip syndrome or chronic bronchitis.
- Appropriate investigation and empirical treatment should control cough in the majority of individuals. If cause-specific treatment fails then a trial of antitussive therapy is indicated to suppress the cough.
- If algorithm-directed investigation and treatment of chronic cough is unsuccessful then referral to a cough clinic may be appropriate.
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