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Chronic cough: evaluation and management
1St. Alexius Medical Center, Emergency Department in Bismarck, N.D., USA. madler@bis.midco.net
Journal of the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners
|June 29, 2002
Summary
This guide helps nurse practitioners diagnose and treat chronic cough, a common but complex primary care issue. Understanding causes is key to effective management and improved patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Primary Care Medicine
- Pulmonology
- Clinical Practice
Background:
- Chronic cough is a frequent symptom encountered in primary care settings.
- The etiology, diagnosis, and management of chronic cough can present significant challenges.
- Accurate identification of the underlying cause is crucial for effective treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide nurse practitioners with information on common causes of chronic cough.
- To educate on diagnostic approaches for identifying the etiology of chronic cough.
- To suggest evidence-based treatment options for prevalent causes of chronic cough.
Main Methods:
- A review of selected research and review articles from professional medical journals was conducted.
- Literature was synthesized to identify common causes, diagnostic strategies, and treatments for chronic cough.
Main Results:
- Common causes of chronic cough were identified.
- Methods for diagnosing the underlying etiology were outlined.
- Treatment recommendations for frequent causes were provided.
Conclusions:
- Familiarity with the diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to chronic cough empowers nurse practitioners.
- Enhanced knowledge enables confident and effective management of patients presenting with chronic cough.
- Improved understanding leads to better patient outcomes by ensuring appropriate treatment based on accurate diagnosis.