Chronic cough
ICD-10 R05.3 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of chronic cough.
Chronic cough is defined as a cough that persists for eight weeks or longer in adults, or four weeks in children. It can be a symptom of various underlying conditions, including respiratory diseases, allergies, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and even certain medications. Chronic cough can significantly impact a patient's quality of life, leading to sleep disturbances, fatigue, and social embarrassment. The cough may be dry or productive, and its characteristics can provide clues to the underlying cause. For instance, a dry cough may suggest asthma or postnasal drip, while a productive cough could indicate an infection or chronic bronchitis. The diagnostic approach typically involves a thorough history and physical examination, followed by targeted investigations such as chest X-rays, pulmonary function tests, or allergy testing to identify the underlying etiology. Management strategies depend on the identified cause and may include medications, lifestyle modifications, or referral to specialists.
Detailed history of cough duration, characteristics, and associated symptoms; results of diagnostic tests.
Patients presenting with persistent cough after upper respiratory infections or with known chronic conditions like asthma or COPD.
Ensure documentation reflects the chronic nature and any associated conditions to support the diagnosis.
Acute assessment of cough, including vital signs, history of present illness, and any immediate interventions.
Patients with acute exacerbations of chronic cough or presenting with cough due to acute infections.
Document the acute nature of the visit and any treatments provided to differentiate from chronic management.
Used to assess lung function in patients with chronic cough.
Document the reason for the spirometry and the results.
Pulmonologists may perform more detailed assessments.
Acute cough lasts less than eight weeks, often due to infections or irritants, while chronic cough persists for eight weeks or longer and may indicate underlying chronic conditions.
