differential diagnosis of cough
Differential Diagnosis of Cough Acute (< 3 weeks) URTI Allergic Rhinitis Environmental Irritant Rhinitis First manifestation of a life-threatening disease: -asthma -CHF -pulmonary embolism -aspiration Chronic (> 4-8 weeks) “The Big Three” 1. Postnasal Drip Syndrome (PNDS) (41%) Hx: -PRODUCTIVE COUGH -sensation of having something “drip down” into their throat -frequent need to clear throat -frequent nasal discharge PE: -oropharynx reveals mucoid or mucopurulent secretions or cobblestone appearance of mucosa 2.