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Respiratory Disease and Treatment

Cough

Physiology

Functions to remove excess secretions and protect the lower airway. Cough receptors are located on the posterior pharynx and asthma bifurcation of the large bronchi.

Reflex

Vagal afferents travel to the cough center in pons and medulla.

Vagal efferents extend to the larynx; spinal motor neurons go to the diaphragm, chest wall and pelvic floor.

Categories of Cough

Acute: lasting < 3 weeks

Chronic: lasting >3 weeks

Differential Diagnosis of Chronic Cough
Infants Children asthma, cough, flu, cold, influenza
Infectious

Chlamydia Respiratory Disorders Respiratory Disorders Respiratory Disorders Respiratory Disorders Respiratory Disorders

Pertussis

Bronchiolitis

Cystic fibrosis

Noninfectious

Asthma

Passive smoke exposure

Gastroesophageal reflux disease

Foreign body aspiration

Tracheoesophageal fistula

Infectious

Pneumonia

Mycoplasma

Croup

Sinusitis/Post-nasal drip

Cystic fibrosis

Noninfectious