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Contents
  • Initial Assessment
  • Diagnostic Tests
  • When to Use Advanced Testing

How Do Doctors Diagnose Chronic Cough?

How Do Doctors Diagnose Chronic Cough?

The Diagnosis Process

Chronic coughs require a careful approach to diagnose. Let's look at the tools doctors use.
Contents
  • Initial Assessment
  • Diagnostic Tests
  • When to Use Advanced Testing

Initial Assessment

The diagnosis begins with a detailed medical history and a physical exam. Doctors look for common signs like wheezing or postnasal drip.

Diagnostic Tests

Tests may include chest X-rays, spirometry to assess lung function, and pH monitoring for GERD. These help pinpoint the underlying cause.
Chronic cough is a persistent cough lasting more than eight weeks, often requiring detailed diagnosis involving medical history, physical exams, and diagnostic tests.

When to Use Advanced Testing

Advanced tests like CT scans or bronchoscopy are reserved for cases where the cause remains unclear after initial evaluations.

FAQs

What starts the diagnosis?

A medical history and physical exam.

What tests are common?

Chest X-rays and spirometry.

When is a CT scan used?

For unexplained chronic coughs.

The Bottom Line

Proper diagnosis is essential for treating chronic cough effectively.
Consider discussing your symptoms with Doctronic for an accurate diagnosis.
Additional References
  1. Irwin RS, Baumann MH, Bolser DC, et al. Diagnosis and management of cough executive summary: ACCP evidence-based clinical practice guidelines. Chest 2006; 129:1S.
  2. McGarvey LP, Heaney LG, Lawson JT, et al. Evaluation and outcome of patients with chronic non-productive cough using a comprehensive diagnostic protocol. Thorax 1998; 53:738.
This article has been reviewed for accuracy by one of the licensed medical doctors working for Doctronic.