Initial empirical treatment based on clinical feature of chronic cough

摘要: Background An empirical therapy based on the clinical characteristics of cough had not been reported. We evaluated this strategy chronic cough. Methods Patients with were initially diagnosed corticosteroid-responsive (CRC), postnasal drip syndrome (PNDS) and gastroesophageal reflux-related (GERC) their medical history presentation, received a sequential three-step therapy. A successful response was required for final diagnosis. Results A total 96 patients recruited median duration 4 months (range, 2–100). The primary diagnosis presentation CRC in 53 (55.2%), PNDS 36 (37.5%) GERC 7 (7.3%). Cough improved 60 (62.5%) at first step mean time 6.2 ± 3.3 days. Three-step beneficial 78 (81.2%) last. spectrum frequency causes therapeutic as follows: (46.7%), (27.5%) (10.8%). Eighteen cases (18.8%) responsive to treatment, seven whom identified other by diagnostic tests. Conclusions The aimed basis is more targeted approach, leads improvement quickly most patients. common cause cough.