Review article

Cough: A Short Review of Etiology, Diagnostics and Treatment

Mile Bogdan

Abstract

Cough is one of the most common symptoms for visiting a doctor’s office. It is an important physiological reflex which helps clear the airways. There are numerous causes for cough, but the most common ones are upper and lower respiratory tract infections and bronchial tumours. A precondition for a proper approach to treating cough includes a thorough medical history, physical examination and all the necessary diagnostic tests. Medical history very often reveals the etiology of cough. Radiology of the thorax, pulmonary function tests and sputum analysis help to confirm the cause of cough. Finally, bronchoscopy can be taken into consideration to provide an insight into endobronchial pathology and interstitial lung diseases. Symptomatic treatment of non-productive cough with antitussives is carried out in patients with unbearable attacks that interfere with their daily activities and sleep. In productive cough, mucolytics are administered to reduce the viscosity of sputum and ease expectoration. When cough is caused by a primary disease, it is treated by treating that disease.

Keywords

cough; etiology; therapy

Hrčak ID:

161781

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/161781

Publication date:

13.7.2016.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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