RESUMEN
Cough is a common presenting symptom for patients in a primary care setting. Chronic cough is defined as a cough lasting for more than 8 weeks. The most common causes of chronic cough are upper airway cough syndrome, asthma, and gastroesophageal reflux disease. Detailed history and physical examination are critical in identifying potential etiologies of cough. When there is no prevailing diagnosis, step-wise empiric trial of medication is a strategic and cost-effective approach. Certain features of chronic cough should provoke an expedited and invasive diagnostic strategy. Effectively treating patients with chronic cough has a high impact on quality of life.
Asunto(s)
Tos/etiología , Algoritmos , Asma/complicaciones , Asma/diagnóstico , Enfermedad Crónica , Tos/diagnóstico , Tos/fisiopatología , Tos/terapia , Reflujo Gastroesofágico/complicaciones , Reflujo Gastroesofágico/diagnóstico , Humanos , Anamnesis , Examen Físico , Infecciones del Sistema Respiratorio/complicaciones , Infecciones del Sistema Respiratorio/diagnósticoRESUMEN
Cough is a common symptom often confronted in the clinical setting. Time and resources attributed to cough place an undue burden on patients and the health care system. One characteristic of cough that likely contributes to this is the multifactorial nature of cough. Physicians are trained to find a single diagnosis to explain symptoms. With cough, if all factors contributing are not identified and treated together, the cough often remains unresolved. This article provides a practical approach to treatment and management of cough, emphasizing causes and potentiators.