Cough

Question 1

Which of the seven masquerades are possible with a presentation of:
COUGH

Answer 1

DRUGS

Question 2

What are the most probable causes of a presentation of: COUGH

Answer 2

• URTI
• Post nasal drip
• Smoking
• Acute bronchitis
• Chronic bronchitis

Question 3

What Serious disorders are not to be missed with a presentation of:
COUGH

Answer 3

• Cardiovascular causes e.g. LV failure
• Neoplasia (lung cancer)

•    Severe infection 
         o	 TB, 
         o	Pneumonia, 
         o	Influenza,
         o	Lung abscess, 
         o	HIV infection, 
•	Asthma, 
•	Cystic Fibrosis
•	 Foreign body, 
•	Pneumothorax

Question 4

What are the Pitfalls (often missed) with COUGH

Answer 4

• Atypical pneumonias
• GORD (nocturnal cough)
• Smoking (children/adolescents)
• Bronchiectasis
• Pertussis
• Interstitial Lung Disease
• Sarcoidosis

Question 5

RED FLAGS – COUGH

Answer 5

RED FLAGS – COUGH
•	Age >50yrs
•	Smoking History
•	Asbestos history
•	Persistent cough 
•	Overseas travel
•	TB Exposure
•	Haemoptysis
•	Unexplained Weight Loss
•	Dyspnoea

Question 6

What are the 3 most likely causes of cough in the elderly?

Answer 6

• GORD (20%)
• Asthma (17%)
• Postnasal drip (48%)