General measures Learning special coughing techniques Unproductive cough (irritable cough) is experienced as a dry and agonizing cough. What to look for: Unproductive cough, that is, the irritation of the cough is treated with an antitussive (cough suppressant). Do not give free rein to the cough, but meet it with a tender cough. It works … Cough: Therapy
In the case of only short-term cough (up to 8 weeks) in the context of acute inflammation of the upper respiratory tract, laboratory diagnostics are usually not necessary. If special circumstances are present that are not typical of an acute trivial respiratory tract infection, diagnostics for acute cough should be initiated immediately. See Cough/Symptomatic Complaints/Red … Cough: Diagnostic Tests
The following symptoms and complaints may occur along with Cough: Leading symptom Cough (lat. tussis; explosive expulsion of air, either voluntary or triggered by a coughing stimulus via the cough reflex). Associated symptoms Sputum (sputum), ie productive cough (see also under “Sputum – Sputum”)Note: Sputum color has no predictive value for the diagnosis of bacterial … Cough: Symptoms, Complaints, Signs
Medical history (history of illness) represents an important component in the diagnosis of cough. Family history What is the general health of your family members? Are there any respiratory diseases in the family? Are there frequent respiratory diseases in your family? Social history What is your profession? Are you exposed to harmful working substances in … Cough: Medical History
Congenital malformations, deformities, and chromosomal abnormalities (Q00-Q99). Kartagener syndrome – congenital disorder; triad of situs inversus viscerum (mirror-image arrangement of organs), bronchiectasis (synonyms: bronchiectasis; dilatation of bronchi), and aplasia (nonformation) of paranasal sinuses; disorders without situs inversus are called primary ciliary dyskinesia (Engl. Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia, PCD): congenital disorder of the respiratory tract in which … Cough: Or something else? Differential Diagnosis
The following are the most important diseases or complications that may be contributed to by a cough: Respiratory system (J00-J99) Pulmonary edema1 (water retention in the lungs) [symptoms: tachypnea (respiratory rate > 20/min), dyspnea (shortness of breath), exacerbated breath sounds, moist RGs/rales]. Pneumothorax1 (collapse of the lung caused by an accumulation of air between the … Cough: Secondary Diseases
A comprehensive clinical examination is the basis for selecting further diagnostic steps: General physical examination – including blood pressure, pulse, body weight, height; in children, additional percentile progression; furthermore: Inspection (viewing). Skin and mucous membranes [pallor?, cyanosis/bluish discoloration of skin, fingernails/mucous membranes, and lips?, sweating?] Sclerae (white part of the eye) Pharynx (throat) [obstructed nasal … Cough: Examination
In the case of only a short-term cough (up to 8 weeks) in the context of an acute inflammation of the upper respiratory tract, laboratory diagnostics are usually not necessary. If special circumstances are present that are not typical of an acute trivial respiratory tract infection, diagnostics for acute cough should be initiated immediately. See … Cough: Test and Diagnosis
Therapeutic target Improvement of symptoms i.e. symptomatic therapy until definitive therapy when diagnosis is confirmed. Therapy recommendations [see below guideline of the German Society of Pneumology and Respiratory Medicine] Symptomatic therapy, if necessary: expectorants (e.g., N-acetylcysteine (ACC), bromhexine, Ambroxolt), ensuring adequate drinking (>1.5 l/d); antitussives (e.g., pentoxyverine) at night, if necessary; do not combine antitussives … Cough: Drug Therapy
