Long lasting cough

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Vicky Barber
Posts: 18
Joined: Wed Apr 08, 2015 10:34 am
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by Vicky Barber on Mon Apr 13, 2015 11:47 am

Re: Long lasting cough

Hi Bernie,

Thank you for your post, a cough is a difficult and troublesome symptom, with many causes.

An initial risk assessment of the client should be performed and this may trigger an urgent referral straight away, or some investigations and review may be requested.

It is important to note that after a viral or chest infection it may take 8 weeks for the cough to settle

Examination of the patient would be performed, and a review of existing medication

Basic investigations such as a chest X-ray, lung function testing (spirometry) with bronchodilator reversibility testing to exclude either asthma or COPD and blood tests.

Review of environment ie damp in the home, smoking and occupation.

Review of any known triggers and allergies. Sputum production.

Gastric reflux and Rhinitis (runny nose) are common causes of a cough and should be treated.

If a cause cannot be established after review then a consultant respiratory opinion should be sought.

Obviously this list is not exhaustive, but will ensure most patients are treated in a timely fashion

Best wishes

Vicky

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Vicky Barber
Nurse Manager- British Lung Foundation
http://www.talkhealthpartnership.com/on ... barber.php

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Dr Helen Webberley
Posts: 96
Joined: Wed Apr 08, 2015 10:31 am
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by Dr Helen Webberley on Tue Apr 14, 2015 9:28 am

Re: Long lasting cough

Hello, as Vicky says, some coughs can be so bad that they do last for a few months and more. If you have needed steroids, then there must have been some restriction and wheeze.

If you are a smoker, then you must definitely stop as your lungs have had a bit of a shock this time.

Sometimes asthma does come late in life, and I agree that a chest x-ray and spirometry would be a very good idea. Your GP should be able to do this for you?

Dr Webberley
Dr Helen Webberley
NHS GP and Director of www.MyWebDoctor.co.uk
MBChB MRCGP MFSRH DipGUM DipIPM
http://www.talkhealthpartnership.com/on ... berley.php

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