What would you tell her are the most common causes of
acute cough?

Cough is an important reflex that clears the airway
(McCance & Huether, 2006). A cough is formed by the
generation of high intrathoracic pressures against a
closed epiglottis, forcing out air and secretions when
the glottis opens (Cleveland Clinic, 2008). Acute cough
is defined as resolving within 2-3 weeks (McCance &
Huether). Acute cough is usually caused by upper
respiratory infections, allergic/irritant rhinitis,
viral rhinosinusitis, acute sinusitis, acute bronchitis,
pertussis, pneumonia, CHF, acute exacerbation of COPD,
pulmonary embolus, or aspiration (Cleveland Clinic;
McCance & Huether). The most common cause of acute cough
is the ¡®common cold¡¯ (The Lung Association, 2008).
(The Center for Disease Control and Prevention said that
¡İ90% of acute coughs are caused by non-bacterial causes
(2008).

-Paige and Sarah

References

Center for Disease Control and Prevention (2008). Adult
acute cough illness. Retrieved on July 8, 2008 from
http://www.cdc.gov/drugresistance/community/files/ads/Adult-AcuteCoughIllness.htm


Cleveland Clinic (2008). Cough. Retrieved on July 8,
2008 from   
http://www.clevelandclinicmeded.com/medicalpubs/diseasemanagement/pulmonary/cough/cough.htm#table1
		

The Lung Association (2008). Chronic cough. Retrieved on
July 8, 2008 from
http://www.lung.ca/diseases-maladies/a-z/cough-toux/index_e.php


McCance, K. L., & Huether, S. E. (2006).
Pathophysiology: The biological basis for disease in
adults and children (5th ed.). St. Louis: Elsevier
Mosby.