Acute cough

Question 1

Definition

Answer 1

A cough presenting for less than 3 weeks

Question 2

Aetiology/ causes

Answer 2

Most commonly an acute viral upper respiratory infection (common cold, acute bronchitis)

^Both tend to have viral aetiology but around 10% can be caused by bacterial infection

Other causes include: Pneumonia, Acute exacerbations of asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or bronchiectasis, pneumothorax, or pulmonary embolism.

Irritants such as smoke and dust

ACE inhibitors

Improper swallowing of food/ water

Question 3

Risk factors

Answer 3

Smoking

Question 4

Epidemiology

Answer 4

Highly dependent on underlying cause

Question 5

Clinical presentation

Answer 5

Potentially: a persistent cough, which may produce mucus, Mild fever and chills, chest discomfort, shortness of breath, sore throat, body aches, headaches, blocked nose

Question 6

Prognosis

Answer 6

Coughing in itself is relatively benign. However, the precise prognosis a patient faces is heavily reliant on the underlying aetiology

Question 7

DDX

Answer 7

Acute bronchitis
Acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder
Acute rhinosinusitis
Acute viral upper respiratory infection
Allergic rhinitis
Asthma
Aspiration syndromes
Congestive heart failure
Pertussis
Pneumonia
Pulmonary embolism