Is cough classified under internal medicine or surgery?

Cough falls within the scope of internal medicine, specifically under the diagnosis and treatment of respiratory diseases. Clinically common causes of cough include acute and chronic pharyngitis, acute and chronic bronchitis, pneumonia, emphysema, bronchiectasis, pulmonary tuberculosis, lung abscess, and malignant pulmonary tumors. To determine the exact cause, relevant examinations are necessary, followed by appropriate symptomatic treatment.

Cough is a common respiratory symptom caused by inflammation, foreign bodies, or physical or chemical irritation affecting the tracheal, bronchial mucosa, or pleura. In clinical practice, analyzing the different characteristics of cough can help in making a preliminary diagnosis. For example:

1. Nature of the cough

Dry or irritative cough is commonly seen in chronic laryngitis, laryngeal cancer, tracheitis, tracheal compression, bronchial foreign body, bronchial tumor, and external auditory canal irritation; wet or productive cough is typically observed in patients with bronchitis, bronchiectasis, lung abscess, pulmonary parasitic disease, and pulmonary tuberculosis with cavitation.

2. Cough rhythm

Single, mild coughing episodes are frequently found in laryngitis, tracheitis, smokers, and early-stage pulmonary tuberculosis; paroxysmal spasmodic cough is commonly associated with foreign body aspiration, pertussis (whooping cough), bronchial asthma, endobronchial tuberculosis, and bronchial tumors; continuous cough is usually seen in general inflammatory conditions of the bronchi and lungs.

3. Timing of the cough

Morning cough is commonly observed in patients with chronic upper respiratory inflammation, chronic bronchitis, and bronchiectasis; nighttime cough is more typical in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis and heart failure.

The clinical presentation of cough may stem from a wide range of underlying causes, varying from minor to serious conditions. Patients are advised to visit a hospital for comprehensive evaluation to identify the specific cause and receive appropriate treatment.