Clinical approach to acute cough

Area of Science:

• Medicine
• Pulmonology
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Acute cough is a prevalent reason for medical visits, leading to significant work and school absences.
• It is defined as a cough lasting 3 weeks or less.
• Common causes include viral upper respiratory tract infections (common cold) and acute bronchitis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To summarize the etiology and recommended treatment for acute cough.
• To emphasize appropriate management strategies and highlight when further investigation is necessary.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies on acute cough.
• Analysis of treatment guidelines for common respiratory symptoms.

Main Results:

• Viral infections are the most frequent cause of acute cough.
• A combination of first-generation antihistamine and decongestant is the most effective treatment for cough associated with the common cold.
• Antibiotics are not indicated for the majority of acute cough cases.

Conclusions:

• Acute cough is typically self-limiting and viral in origin.
• Appropriate symptomatic treatment, such as antihistamines and decongestants, should be prioritized over antibiotics.
• Rarely, acute cough may signal a serious underlying condition requiring medical evaluation.