COUGH

Clinical Manifestations:

• A runny or stuffy nose
• Sensation of fluid running down the back of your throat (postnasal drip)
• Frequent throat clearing and sore throat
• Hoarseness
• Wheezing and shortness of breath
• Heartburn or a sour taste in your mouth
• Rarely, coughing up blood (hemoptysis)

DIAGNOSIS

•  Imaging
  • X-ray
    • May be used to check for lung cancer, pneumonia, other lung diseases and evidence of a sinus infection.
  • Computerized tomography (CT) scan
    • May be used to check your lungs for conditions that may produce cough or infection of the sinuses.

• Lung function tests
  • Simple, noninvasive tests used to diagnose asthma and COPD by measuring the amount of air the lungs can hold and how fast exhalation can occur.

• Asthma challenge test
  • Checks quality of breathing before and after inhaling the drug methacholine (Provocholine).

• Lab tests
  • Mucus sample are obtained and tested for bacteria.

• Scope tests
  • The lungs and air passages are visualized using a thin, flexible tube equipped with a light and camera called a bronchoscope. A biopsy may also be taken from the lining of your airway for testing.
  • With a rhinoscope, a doctor can view nasal passages to look for upper airway causes of cough.