Managing chronic cough in adults in primary care.

Chronic cough in adults is a common condition that can have a significant impact on quality of life. Recent guidance from the British Thoracic Society provides a systematic approach for managing chronic cough in primary care. This approach involves a thorough clinical assessment, identification and treatment of underlying diseases, elimination of common aggravants such as smoking and the use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, and identification and treatment of relevant traits. Empirical or blind treatment of common causes is no longer recommended, and most cases of chronic cough can be managed in primary care. Referral to secondary care is necessary for ongoing symptoms or concerns about serious underlying disease. [Extracted from the article]

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