Structured Approach to Acute and Subacute Cough: Identifying Causes and Ensuring Timely Care

Indian Medical Association provides a structured approach to an efficient path for diagnosis and intervention, enabling healthcare providers to address acute and subacute coughs according to urgency and root causes
1. Initial Assessment: Gathering Key Information  
The first step involves a detailed patient history and physical examination, which helps in understanding potential causes and identifying any concerning symptoms.
2. Non-Life-Threatening Causes  
  a. Infectious Factors  
      - Lower Respiratory Tract Infections: Acute bronchitis, tuberculosis, and pertussis are common culprits affecting the lower respiratory system.
      - Upper Respiratory Tract Infections: Conditions like rhinitis, pharyngitis, and sinusitis often contribute to upper respiratory coughs.
   b. Non-Infectious Factors  
      - Chronic conditions such as asthma, bronchiectasis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are common non-infectious sources of cough, requiring ongoing management.
3. Red Flags: Recognizing Serious Conditions  
Coughs accompanied by symptoms of pneumonia, pulmonary embolism, heart failure, pleurisy, or pneumothorax signal urgent issues that need immediate attention to prevent severe outcomes.
4. Urgent Response and Referral  
For cases with red-flag symptoms, a rapid severity assessment and immediate action are crucial. Referral to a specialist may be necessary for advanced care, ensuring the patient receives comprehensive treatment.
This structured approach ensures an efficient pathway to diagnosis and intervention, helping healthcare providers manage acute and subacute coughs based on urgency and underlying causes.