Initial investigation
Conduct an initial investigation of
patients with chronic cough (>8 weeks) to assess patient history, which includes any red flags (shown below), occupational and environmental issues, travel exposures, physical exam, and chest radiograph. Always consider
smoking history, medications known to cause cough, and whether the cause of cough suggests a life-threatening condition.9
Underlying conditions
In patients whose initial assessment
does not reveal factors that may
contribute to cough, further
investigation into common underlying conditions (eg, asthma, GERD, UACS [postnasal drip], NAEB) is needed.9
Other investigations may be considered including swallow evaluations, sinus imaging, cardiac workup, and occupation assessments9
GERD, gastroesophageal reflux disease; UACS, upper airway cough syndrome; NAEB, nonasthmatic eosinophilic bronchitis
If cough persists
If cough persists despite appropriate investigation and treatment for underlying conditions, consider referral to a cough clinic for investigation of refractory chronic cough or unexplained chronic cough.9