By vgreene, 15 November, 2016 Pertussis suggested by paroxysmal cough w/ or w/o whoop, even in immunized pts; post-tussive vomiting is common; tx w/ macrolides in first 1-2wk; also consider pertussis w/ any cough >2wk (BTS1). Strongly consider tx awaiting test results if clinical pict
By vgreene, 15 November, 2016 Viral resp infxns are important trigger for asthma exacerbations (NIH/NHLBI4); asthma suggested by wheeze assoc w/ cough, bronchodilators not effective in nonasthmatic pts (BTS1)
By vgreene, 15 November, 2016 Suspect bacterial sinusitis if >10 days of daytime cough (may be worse at night) +/or nasal d/c w/o improving, or worsening after initial improvement, or severe s/sx (eg, T ≥102°F + purulent d/c) in first 3-4 days (AAP,2 IDSA3)
By vgreene, 15 November, 2016 Most cases are viral and do not require abx; exceptions include bacterial sinusitis, pertussis
By vgreene, 15 November, 2016 Peer reviewed & based on multiple guidelines/recommendations from specialty societies/government agencies
By vgreene, 15 November, 2016 Nonspecific cough | Normal CXR, spirometry | Etiology not suggested by s/sx, quality of cough, hx
