Snapshot A 22-year-old man presents to his physician with a cough. He describes the cough as non-productive and lasting for a few days. He denies any subjective fever, acid reflux, and has not had his influenza vaccination. On physical exam, there are wheezes and rhonchi on pulmonary auscultation. The patient is reassured that his symptoms will self-resolve in 1-3 weeks and that he can try tea or over-the-counter medications, such as dextromethorphan, to improve his cough. Introduction Definition inflammation of the lower respiratory tract Epidemiology Incidence viruses are a more common cause Etiology Viruses influenza A and B parainfluenza respiratory syncytial virus coronavirus adenovirus rhinovirus human metapneumovirus Presentation Symptoms cough (lasts at least 5 days) can be productive or nonproductive may be accompanied by cold symptoms fever sore throat nasal congestion and runny nose Physical exam pulmonary auscultation wheezes rhonchi Studies Making the diagnosis based on history and physical exam imaging is not necessary Differential Pneumonia differentiating factor a cough with fever, tachypnea, or tachycardia with signs of consolidation or rales Postnasal drip syndrome differentiating factor a sensation of post nasal drainage Treatment Symptomatic treatment cough conservative hot tea, lozenges, and smoking avoidance medical dextromethorphan guaifenesin Prognosis Typically self-limiting (1-3 weeks)