In adult patients presenting with an acute onset of cough, what is the most frequent underlying cause?
Solution
Correct Answer: Option B
- The most common cause of an acute onset of cough in adults is a viral upper respiratory tract infection (URTI).
- These infections are typically caused by viruses such as rhinoviruses, coronaviruses, and influenza viruses. They cause inflammation of the upper airway mucosa, which triggers a cough.
- Unlike bacterial infections such as pneumonia, viral URTIs generally present with a short duration of illness, a non-productive (dry) cough, and absence of focal chest signs.
- One common manifestation of such viral infection is acute bronchitis.
Reference: Davidson’s Principles and Practice of Medicine, 24th Edition, Chapter: Diseases of the Respiratory Tract, Page 800. - These infections are typically caused by viruses such as rhinoviruses, coronaviruses, and influenza viruses. They cause inflammation of the upper airway mucosa, which triggers a cough.
- Unlike bacterial infections such as pneumonia, viral URTIs generally present with a short duration of illness, a non-productive (dry) cough, and absence of focal chest signs.
- One common manifestation of such viral infection is acute bronchitis.
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