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Table 3 Sensitivity and specificity of symptoms

From: Management of patients with chronic cough using a clinical protocol: a prospective observational study

Diagnosis

Symptom

Sensitivity %

Specificity %

p value

Asthma

Wheeze

94

66

<0.001

 

Breathlessness

82

51

0.009

 

Airways obstruction (FEV1/FVC < 70%)

35

80

0.07

 

Reversibility

11

95

0.2

Reflux

Acid taste

50

80

0.01

 

Heartburn

72

68

0.001

Rhinitis

Post nasal mucus drip

100

67

0.002

 

Throat clearing

100

37

0.07