Singapore Med J
2016[Feb]; 57
(2
): 60-3
PMID26892615
show ga
Chronic cough is one of the most common reasons for referral to a respiratory
physician. Although fatal complications are rare, it may cause considerable
distress in the patient's daily life. Western and local data shows that in
patients with a normal chest radiograph, the most common causes are postnasal
drip syndrome, postinfectious cough, gastro-oesophageal reflux disease and cough
variant asthma. Less common causes are the use of angiotensin-converting enzyme
inhibitors, smoker's cough and nonasthmatic eosinophilic bronchitis. A detailed
history-taking and physical examination will provide a diagnosis in most
patients, even at the primary care level. Some cases may need further
investigations or specialist referral for diagnosis.
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