Question

Mr Morales is a 55 years old overweight gentleman with complaints of bad breath and dry cough for a few weeks now. The cough is usually worse in the morning after waking up. He also reports suffering from heartburn. What is the most likely cause for this patient's cough?

Select one:
a. Pneumonia
b. Postnasal drip
c. Gastroesophageal reflux
d. Asthma

Answer 1

c. Gastroesophageal reflux. The most likely cause for Mr. Morales's cough is Gastroesophageal reflux (GERD), or acid reflux. GERD occurs when stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, causing irritation and inflammation. The symptoms of bad breath, dry cough, and heartburn are common in GERD.

Step-by-step explanation:

The most likely cause for Mr. Morales's cough is Gastroesophageal reflux (GERD), or acid reflux. GERD occurs when stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, causing irritation and inflammation. The symptoms of bad breath, dry cough, and heartburn are common in GERD.

In the case study, it states that Mr. Morales reports suffering from heartburn, which is a key symptom of GERD. The fact that his cough is worse in the morning after waking up is also indicative of GERD, as stomach acid can flow back into the esophagus during sleep.

To confirm the diagnosis, Mr. Morales should consult a healthcare professional who can perform further tests and provide appropriate treatment.