Phone (09) 929 1111
Email admin@nsms.co.nz
Healthlink EDI: respmedm
available for urgent referrals
www.healthpoint.co.nz
Dr Megan Cornere - Respiratory Physician
Contact Details
Chronic Cough
Chronic cough is a common and distressing symptom which is defined as a cough lasting more than 8 weeks. It is surprisingly common.
Cough is a defensive reflex with elements of voluntary control which, if persistent, may signal a problem in the respiratory system.
At the initial assessment for cough we need to elicit any alarm symptoms that may indicate a serious underlying cause and identify whether there is a specific disease present that is associated with chronic cough. Non specific cough suppressant therapy offers little benefit in managing persistent cough.
Alarm symptoms include:
- Coughing blood
- Smoking history
- Hoarseness
- Recurrent infection
- Abnormal CXR
A comprehensive history, examination and appropriate investigations will identify the cause in 95% of people.
https://www.healthpoint.co.nz/private/respiratory/dr-megan-cornere-respiratory-physician/