Cough Differential Diagnosis
The differential diagnosis for a cough can be organized into the following categories:
- Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Acute bronchitis: This is the most common cause of cough, often resulting from a viral upper respiratory tract infection.
- Other Likely Diagnoses
- Asthma: A chronic inflammatory disease characterized by episodic airway constriction, often presenting with cough, wheezing, and shortness of breath.
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD): A progressive lung disease causing chronic cough, wheezing, and shortness of breath, often associated with smoking.
- Allergic rhinitis: An allergic reaction to airborne particles, such as pollen or dust, leading to cough, sneezing, and nasal congestion.
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): Stomach acid reflux into the esophagus, causing cough, heartburn, and chest pain.
- Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Pneumonia: A potentially life-threatening infection of the lungs, requiring prompt antibiotic treatment.
- Pulmonary embolism: A blood clot in the lungs, which can be fatal if not treated promptly.
- Lung cancer: A malignant tumor in the lungs, often presenting with chronic cough, weight loss, and hemoptysis.
- Tuberculosis: A bacterial infection of the lungs, requiring prolonged antibiotic treatment.
- Rare Diagnoses
- Cystic fibrosis: A genetic disorder causing chronic respiratory and digestive problems, often presenting with cough, wheezing, and malabsorption.
- Sarcoidosis: An autoimmune disease causing inflammation in the lungs, lymph nodes, and other organs, often presenting with cough, shortness of breath, and fatigue.
- Bronchiectasis: A condition characterized by permanent enlargement of the airways, often causing chronic cough, sputum production, and recurrent infections.
- Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor-induced cough: A side effect of certain medications, such as ACE inhibitors, causing a dry, persistent cough.