Physical Findings

Stop & Think

Lab and X-Ray

Differential Diagnosis

The Disease

Treatment

Conclusions

Quiz & Evaluation

• Chronic infection such as tuberculosis or histoplasmosis.
• Autoimmune disease such as Goodpasture's Syndrome.
• Allergic reaction to some inhaled irritant.
• Intermittent aspiration of saliva.
• Lung "tumor." primary or metastatic.

So how do we go about it?  History and physical is absolutely the place to start. Not the lab or X-Ray, history and physical. Third party payers are not going to cough up a lot of cash while you shotgun the water front for a diagnosis. The tests and procedures you order must have a purpose and be justifiable.

So what in the history will help make the distinction?     Back