Chronic cough: evaluation and management.
OBJECTIVE
To inform the nurse practitioner of the common causes of chronic cough, to educate how each cause can be identified, and to suggest treatment options for the most common causes.


METHODS
Selected research and review articles from professional journals.


CONCLUSIONS
Chronic cough is a common presenting complaint in the primary care setting. Although at first the symptom may seem simple, the etiology, diagnosis, and treatment of chronic cough can be challenging. Furthermore, without proper identification of the cause, effective treatment most likely will not be obtained.


CONCLUSIONS
By familiarizing oneself with this topic, nurse practitioners will feel confident in treating chronic cough.
Madler
Billie Jo
BJ
St. Alexius Medical Center, Emergency Department in Bismarck, N.D., USA. madler@bis.midco.net
D000465:Algorithms; D002908:Chronic Disease; D003371:Cough / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D003663:Decision Trees; D006801:Humans; D008487:Medical History Taking / Q000379:methods; D009722:Nurse Practitioners; D009730:Nursing Assessment / Q000379:methods; D010808:Physical Examination / Q000379:methods; D011320:Primary Health Care / Q000379:methods*