Table 1 Patient characteristics at the time of referral
Total number of patients (number female) | 112 (73) |
|---|---|
Mean age | 56.2 years |
Median duration of cough (range) | 3 years (0.25-64 years) |
Smoking history: | |
Current smokers | 6 (5%) |
Ex-smokers | 46 (41%) |
Never smoked | 60 (54%) |
Sputum production: | |
No sputum | 45 (40%) |
Clear sputum | 43 (38%) |
Purulent sputum | 23 (21%) |
Cough preceded by URTI | 35 (31%) |
Symptoms associated with cough: | |
Wheeze | 46 (41%) |
Breathlessness | 60 (54%) |
Acid taste in mouth | 26 (23%) |
Heartburn | 48 (43%) |
PND | 40 (36%) |
Throat clearing | 73 (65%) |