Cough DDx

Cough – Differential Diagnosis

Common causes

Must Not Miss

Easily missed

Red flags

  • Systemic symptoms (fever, weight loss, night sweats)
  • Haemoptysis
  • Persistent hoarse voice
  • Significant dyspnoea
  • HIV
  • History of cancer

Investigations to consider

  • FBC, CRP/ESR
  • Serum ACE levels
  • PEFR, Spirometry
  • CXR
  • Sputum cultures (including AFB)
  • CT scan
  • Bronchoscopy