Question

A 4-year-old Aboriginal boy from a remote community presents with a chronic wet cough for 8 weeks following a viral respiratory illness. He is otherwise well, afebrile and growing appropriately. Chest examination is unremarkable. What is the most appropriate next step in management in this context?

Accepted Answer

Start an empirical 2-week course of appropriate oral antibiotics

Answer

Reassure and observe without treatment

Answer

Start a short course of oral salbutamol

Answer

Order an immediate CT scan of the chest

Answer

Commence long-term inhaled corticosteroids

Practice question

A 4-year-old Aboriginal boy from a remote community presents with a chronic wet cough for 8 weeks following a viral respiratory illness. He is otherwise well, afebrile and growing appropriately. Chest examination is unremarkable. What is the most appropriate next step in management in this context?