What needs to be done to determine the cause of cough?

Mar 19, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Ren Yi

Introduction

Determining the cause of cough requires a detailed medical history, physical examination, imaging studies, laboratory tests, and pulmonary function tests. Patients with cough are advised to use medications such as Subiao Zhike Capsules, Pentoxyverine Citrate Tablets, and Compound Licorice Tablets under a doctor's guidance. Maintaining healthy lifestyle habits can also help improve symptoms and promote recovery.

Identifying the cause of cough requires a detailed medical history review, physical examination, imaging studies, laboratory tests, and pulmonary function testing. If concerns persist, timely medical consultation is recommended. Detailed explanations are as follows:

1. Detailed medical history review: The physician will thoroughly assess the patient's cough characteristics, including its duration, nature, associated symptoms, past medical history, and medication use, to make a preliminary judgment regarding the cause of the cough.

2. Physical examination: The physician will use a stethoscope to listen for abnormal breath sounds, such as crackles or wheezes, in the lungs. The throat and nasal passages will also be examined for possible localized lesions or signs of infection.

3. Imaging studies: Chest X-rays or CT scans can visualize lung structures and help detect diseases such as pneumonia, tuberculosis, lung cancer, and bronchiectasis, providing important diagnostic evidence.

4. Laboratory tests: Routine blood tests, sputum culture, and viral antibody testing can help determine whether an infection is present and identify its specific type, such as bacterial, viral, or fungal infection.

5. Pulmonary function testing: Pulmonary function tests assess ventilation and gas exchange, aiding in the diagnosis of respiratory diseases such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and helping evaluate the degree of airway obstruction and impairment of lung function.

Cough patients are advised to take medications such as Suhuang Zhike Capsules, Pentoxyverine Citrate Tablets, and Compound Liquorice Tablets under a physician's guidance. Maintaining healthy lifestyle habits can also help alleviate symptoms and promote recovery.

References

[1] Wang Xihua, He Can, Li Ping, et al. Diagnostic value of small airway dilation test variability in cough variant asthma[J]. Journal of Southeast University (Medical Edition), 2025, 44(01):8-13.

[2] Wang Xuefeng, Liu Enmei. Expert consensus on integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine diagnosis and treatment for post-infectious cough in children (2024 edition)[J]. Chinese Journal of Practical Pediatrics, 2024, 39(09):652-658.

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What are the reasons for a persistent cough, and how can it be treated?

In general, persistent coughing may be caused by ongoing environmental irritation, low immune function, allergic cough, prolonged acute bronchitis, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), or other reasons. It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly, identify the underlying cause, and then improve symptoms through general measures, medication, or other treatments under a doctor's guidance. In daily life, avoid smoking and secondhand smoke, and limit consumption of spicy or overly sweet foods.

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What are the differences between cough caused by mycoplasma infection and common cough?

The differences between cough caused by mycoplasma infection and ordinary cough mainly include duration, nature of the cough, accompanying symptoms, triggering factors, and response to treatment. In daily life, it is important to stay warm, avoid cold exposure, maintain good indoor ventilation, and reduce visits to crowded places. During episodes of coughing, drink plenty of warm water and avoid spicy or irritating foods to help alleviate cough symptoms.