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Respiratory Disease and Treatment
Cough
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.
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 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 |