Correct
5. None of the above
In general, it is a bad idea to treat patients empirically. The three most common causes of chronic cough in a nonsmoker are asthma, GERD, and post-nasal drip (1). However, this patient has shortness of breath as a predominant complaint. While asthma usually responds well to therapy, GERD is particularly problematic, often not responding to aggressive therapy (2). Asthma would be the most likely diagnosis in a patient this age with complaints of dyspnea and cough.
Which of the following are appropriate at this time? (Click on the correct answer to be directed to the third of seven pages)