Finding a second suspect when the first is 'innocent'

Cough is one of the most common complaints prompting visits to physicians. Although most cases are acute and self-limited, some are persistent, and patients are anxious to get relief. But what is the best way to find the cause of chronic cough, given the many possibilities you may need to consider? To illustrate approaches you may find useful in your own practice, and to quickly review key concepts in today's understanding of chronic cough, The Journal of Respiratory Diseases has asked a pulmonologist to present a series of brief cases reflecting his own experience in assessing and managing patients with this symptom. In this series of 'chronic cough clinics,' Dr Boyars provides a step-by-step discussion of the presentation, history, physical examination, follow-up, and outcome. He also highlights key points in the work-up that were particularly important in reaching the diagnosis and selecting treatment.