Coughing is an important protective reflex of the respiratory tract and primarily serves clearance of the bronchial system. It is also an exceptionally common symptom in outpatient care that can be an expression of a variety of diseases. Coughing duration of longer than 8 weeks is referred to as chronic cough. A structured, often interdisciplinary diagnostic process is essential. The aim here is to identify causal treatment options, avoiding overdiagnosis and simultaneously not overlooking severe illness. This article discusses current diagnostic procedures, important differential diagnoses and possible treatment options.
- Schellenberg, M.
- Herth, F. J. F.
Keywords
- Antitussive agents
- Chronic idiopathic cough
- Cough/diagnosis, differential
- Cough/etiology
- Interdisciplinary diagnostic process
