Cough Differentials Flashcards
1
Q
What is the cause of the vast majority of cases of a sub acute cough (<8 weeks)?
A
Viral respiratory tract infection (common cold, pneumonia, acute bronchitis, pertussis, influenza)
2
Q
What are the common causes of a chronic cough (>8 weeks)?
A
Post-nasal drip (rhinitis, sinusitis), asthma, GORD, COPD, pneumonia, ACEi.
3
Q
What does yellow/green sputum usually indicate?
A
Bacterial infection
4
Q
What does red sputum usually indicate?
A
Pneumonia/TB/PE/cancer
5
Q
What does white/pink frothy sputum usually indicate?
A
Pulmonary oedema
6
Q
What does black sputum usually indicate?
A
Smoker
7
Q
What does white sputum usually indicate?
A
Viral infection/GORD
