What is the work up of chronic cough?
The work up should be guided by the warning signs listed above. A history and physical exam including a patient diary of the cough history (PQRST) should begin the evaluation. Testing should include a CXR and pulmonary function testing. A high consideration should be the “big 3” post nasal drip syndrome, asthma and GERD. If one of these diagnoses is suspected a therapeutic trial of treatment should be considered as guided by the most likely diagnoses. For a persistent cough which does not respond to treatment of the common diagnoses, additional testing including bronchoscopy, additional radiology studies such as a CT of the sinuses or chest and/or a methacholine challenge may need to be considered. Pulmonary function testing is available at The Children’s Hospital main campus, Broomfield and Parker. For specialized testing, please contact the Breathing Center physicians at 720-777-6181.
