Question

A patient on PPI, has osteoporosis and a cough. What is the most likely cause of the cough?

1) Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
2) Chronic bronchitis
3) Pulmonary fibrosis
4) Tuberculosis

Answer 1

The most likely cause of the cough in a patient on PPI with osteoporosis is GERD. Persistent cough is a common symptom of GERD caused by irritation of the esophageal lining by backflow of stomach content. Option 1.

Step-by-step explanation:

The most likely cause of the cough for a patient on proton pump inhibitors (PPI) who has osteoporosis, is Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) option 1. PPIs are commonly used to treat GERD, and persistent cough can be a symptom of GERD. The irritation of the esophageal lining by stomach contents that have refluxed back into the esophagus can lead to coughing. Osteoporosis is mentioned as it can be a complication from long-term PPI use due to decreased calcium absorption. However, it is not directly related to the cause of a cough. When considering other options like chronic bronchitis, pulmonary fibrosis, and tuberculosis, these conditions tend to have more distinctive symptoms or risk factors such as smoking history, exposure to certain environmental factors, or a characteristic clinical presentation.