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Bronchiectasis exacerbation with Pseudomonas — SCE Respiratory MCQ

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HardRespiratory InfectionsBronchiectasis exacerbation with PseudomonasSCE Respiratory

A patient with refractory cough describes an urge-to-cough triggered by perfume, talking and temperature change. Imaging, spirometry and bronchial provocation are unremarkable, and rhinitis and reflux traits have been addressed. Which non-drug intervention is best matched?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

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Correct answer: C — Cough-control therapy delivered by a trained physiotherapist or speech therapist

Explanation lettering: C = shown as A · D = shown as C · A = shown as D

D is correct. This is cough hypersensitivity: otherwise innocuous chemical and mechanical stimuli trigger an excessive urge and cough. BTS supports cough-control therapy delivered by suitably trained physiotherapy or speech-and-language professionals, using education, cough suppression, breathing retraining and laryngeal hygiene. Capsaicin challenge remains a research tool rather than routine diagnosis or desensitisation. Bronchodilators need airflow obstruction, voice avoidance reinforces disability, and antireflux surgery is not justified by this phenotype alone.

Reference: https://thorax.bmj.com/content/78/Suppl_6/s3