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Contents
  • The Initial Investigation
  • Imaging: Looking Inside
  • Breathing Tests: Measuring Lung Function
  • Specialized Tests: Digging Deeper

Cracking the Cough Code: How Doctors Diagnose Chronic Cough

Cracking the Cough Code: How Doctors Diagnose Chronic Cough

The Detective Work Begins

Diagnosing chronic cough can feel like solving a mystery. Learn about the tools and tests doctors use to uncover the cause of your persistent cough.
Contents
  • The Initial Investigation
  • Imaging: Looking Inside
  • Breathing Tests: Measuring Lung Function
  • Specialized Tests: Digging Deeper

The Initial Investigation

Your doctor will start with a detailed history and physical exam. They'll ask about the duration and nature of your cough, associated symptoms, and potential triggers. This information helps narrow down the possibilities and guide further testing.

Imaging: Looking Inside

A chest X-ray is often the first imaging test ordered. It can reveal issues like pneumonia, lung tumors, or heart problems. In some cases, a CT scan may be needed for a more detailed look at the lungs and airways.
Chronic cough is a persistent cough that lasts for weeks and may require a detailed medical evaluation to determine its cause.

Breathing Tests: Measuring Lung Function

Spirometry measures how much air you can breathe in and out. It can help diagnose conditions like asthma or COPD. A methacholine challenge test may be used to check for reactive airways if asthma is suspected but not confirmed by spirometry.

Specialized Tests: Digging Deeper

If initial tests don't provide answers, your doctor may recommend more specialized evaluations. These could include allergy testing, sinus imaging, or tests to check for acid reflux. In some cases, a bronchoscopy might be performed to examine the airways directly.

FAQs

Is a chest X-ray always necessary?

Not always, but it's often recommended for chronic cough.

Are cough diagnosis tests painful?

Most tests are painless or cause only mild discomfort.

How long does diagnosis take?

It varies, but can take several weeks to complete all necessary tests.

Can blood tests diagnose the cause of cough?

They may help identify underlying conditions, but aren't usually definitive.

What if no cause is found?

Some cases remain unexplained, but treatment options still exist.

Putting the Pieces Together

While diagnosing chronic cough can be complex, a systematic approach often leads to answers and effective treatment.
Wondering what tests you might need for your cough? Ask Doctronic about the diagnostic process and what to expect.
Additional References
  1. Irwin RS, et al. Diagnosis and Management of Cough Executive Summary: ACCP Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guidelines. Chest. 2006;129(1 Suppl):1S-23S.
  2. Morice AH, et al. ERS guidelines on the diagnosis and treatment of chronic cough in adults and children. Eur Respir J. 2020;55(1):1901136.
This article has been reviewed for accuracy by one of the licensed medical doctors working for Doctronic.