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Unexplained (idiopathic) cough: ACCP evidence-based clinical practice guidelines
Chest
|January 24, 2006
Summary
Unexplained cough is often overdiagnosed due to inadequate evaluation. Researchers recommend reserving the term "unexplained cough" for cases where all other causes have been ruled out.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonology
- Clinical Medicine
Background:
- Persistent cough is a common clinical problem.
- The term "idiopathic cough" has been used for cough without a clear cause.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the literature on unexplained cough.
- To clarify diagnostic criteria and terminology for cough without a definable cause.
Main Methods:
- Literature search of MEDLINE (1980-2004) for English-language studies.
- Inclusion of case series and prospective descriptive clinical trials.
- Review of references from selected studies.
Main Results:
- The diagnosis of unexplained cough requires a comprehensive evaluation for common and uncommon causes.
- Inadequate diagnostic workup can lead to misdiagnosis of cough as unexplained.
Conclusions:
- The diagnosis of unexplained cough is likely overused.
- The term "unexplained cough" is recommended over "idiopathic cough" for cases where all other causes are excluded.