• Graham J Worrall.
• Dr William H. Newhook Memorial Health Centre, Whitbourne, NL A0B 3K0. gworrall@mun.ca
• Can Fam Physician. 2008 Feb 1; 54 (2): 236237236-7.

ObjectiveTo record the presentation, diagnosis, management, and outcome of acute coughs presenting in family practice.DesignA case series of consecutive patients with acute cough as their main symptom.SettingRural family practice clinic and walk-in centre.ParticipantsOne hundred consecutive patients with cough, ages 1 to 90.Main Outcome MeasuresClinical diagnosis of the cause of the cough, management of cough, and whether patients returned for a second visit.ResultsSeventy-three patients had viral respiratory tract infections; 15 had asthma; 6 had influenza; 4 had pneumonia; and 2 had croup. Eighty-one patients needed no prescription medication; 13 were prescribed steroids or bronchodilators for asthma; and 6 were prescribed antibiotics. No prescriptions for cough suppressants or decongestants were written. Only 7 patients returned to the clinic; 2 were prescribed antibiotics, and the others had no change in treatment.ConclusionMost patients with cough require reassurance rather than medications, as their cough is self-limiting. Of the minority that requires medication, twice as many will benefit from adjustment of asthma medication as from antibiotics.

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