Chronic cough: bronchoscopy or pulmonary function testing?

摘要: To determine how frequently bronchoscopic examination and pulmonary function testing are useful in establishing a diagnosis patients with chronic cough as an isolated clinical symptom, we reviewed the records of all referred to specialists at 3 community hospitals for evaluation over 6-yr period. There were 109 symptom normal or stable chest roentgenogram. Bronchoscopy was performed 51. All but 1 followed until disappeared minimum yr. Carcinoma established cause patient. Spirometry and/or bronchial inhalation challenge 87 patients. Previously undiagnosed asthma discovered 39 by these means. Pulmonary has diagnostic value this population, bronchoscopy is limited determining cough.