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[Chronic cough]
1Pneumologie und Beatmungsmedizin, Thoraxklinik am Universitätsklinikum Heidelberg, Translational Lung Research Center Heidelberg (TLRC), Universität Heidelberg, Röntgenstr. 1, 69126, Heidelberg, Deutschland. mavi.schellenberg@med.uni-heidelberg.de.
Coughing is a vital reflex for clearing airways, but a chronic cough lasting over 8 weeks requires careful diagnosis. This review outlines diagnostic steps and treatments for persistent cough to ensure accurate care.
Area of Science:
- Respiratory Medicine
- Pulmonology
- Clinical Diagnostics
Context:
- Coughing is a common respiratory reflex essential for bronchial clearance.
- Persistent cough exceeding 8 weeks is defined as chronic cough.
- Chronic cough presents a diagnostic challenge in outpatient settings, often indicating diverse underlying conditions.
Purpose:
- To outline current diagnostic procedures for chronic cough.
- To discuss essential differential diagnoses for persistent cough.
- To present evidence-based treatment options for chronic cough.
Summary:
- This article reviews the diagnostic approach to chronic cough, emphasizing a structured, interdisciplinary process.
- It covers key differential diagnoses, aiming to identify causal factors for effective treatment.
- The focus is on avoiding both overdiagnosis and the omission of severe pathologies.
Impact:
- Facilitates accurate diagnosis and management of chronic cough.
- Provides clinicians with a framework for evaluating persistent cough symptoms.
- Aims to improve patient outcomes by guiding appropriate therapeutic interventions.
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