“Hacking” The Unexplained Chronic Cough

Host: Darryl S. Chutka, M.D., [@chutkaMD] Guest: Sumedh S. Hoskote, M.B.B.S. A patient with an unexplained cough is commonly seen in an outpatient primary care practice. While there are several potential causes, fortunately, most are relatively benign. However, determining the cause can be challenging and its best to use an organized approach in the evaluation. Using the patient’s history, chest imaging studies, pulmonary function and occasionally laboratory tests, we’re usually able to determine the cause. What are the most common causes of a persistent cough? What approach is recommended in the evaluation? And what should we do when no cause is apparent? We’ll discuss “The Unexplained Chronic Cough” in this podcast with our guest, Sumedh S. Hoskote, M.B.B.S., a pulmonologist in the Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care at the Mayo Clinic. Connect with the Mayo Clinic’s School of Continuous Professional Development online at https://ce.mayo.edu/ or on Twitter @MayoMedEd.