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Last updated: September 2, 2025View editorial policy

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Differential Diagnosis for Dry Cough

Single Most Likely Diagnosis

  • Acute Bronchitis: This is often the most common cause of a dry cough lasting for 2 weeks, especially in the absence of other symptoms. It's usually viral in nature and self-limiting.

Other Likely Diagnoses

  • Postnasal Drip (Upper Airway Secretion Syndrome): This condition can cause a dry cough due to the irritation of the throat from nasal secretions draining down.
  • Asthma: Cough can be a sole presenting symptom of asthma, especially if it's mild or if the patient has cough-variant asthma.
  • Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): Stomach acid reflux can irritate the throat and cause a dry cough.
  • Allergies: Allergic reactions can lead to a dry cough, especially if the individual is exposed to specific allergens.

Do Not Miss Diagnoses

  • Pulmonary Embolism: Although less likely, a dry cough can be a symptom of a pulmonary embolism, which is life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention.
  • Lung Cancer: A persistent dry cough can be an early symptom of lung cancer, making it crucial not to miss this diagnosis, especially in smokers or those with a significant smoking history.
  • Tuberculosis (TB): TB can present with a chronic dry cough among other symptoms, and it's essential to consider this diagnosis, especially in individuals who have been exposed or are from areas with high TB prevalence.
  • Pneumonia: While typically accompanied by other symptoms like fever and shortness of breath, pneumonia can occasionally present with a dry cough, especially in its early stages or in certain populations like the elderly.

Rare Diagnoses

  • Sarcoidosis: A systemic disease that can affect the lungs and cause a dry cough, among other symptoms.
  • Interstitial Lung Disease: A broad category of diseases that affect the lung tissue and can cause a dry cough.
  • Eosinophilic Pneumonia: A rare condition characterized by an accumulation of eosinophils in the lungs, which can cause a dry cough.
  • Histiocytosis X (Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis): A rare disorder that can affect the lungs and cause respiratory symptoms, including a dry cough.

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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