Chronic Cough: Evaluation and Management

Purpose To inform the nurse practitioner of the common causes of chronic cough, to educate how each cause can be identified, and to suggest treatment options for the most common causes. Data Source Selected research and review articles from professional journals. Conclusion Chronic cough is a common presenting complaint in the primary care setting. Although at first the symptom may seem simple, the etiology, diagnosis, and treatment of chronic cough can be challenging. Furthermore, without proper identification of the cause, effective treatment most likely will not be obtained. Implications for Practice By familiarizing oneself with this topic, nurse practitioners will feel confident in treating chronic cough.