Final answer:
Coughing without other signs and symptoms can be indicative of bronchitis, influenza, pneumonia, or pertussis (whooping cough), among other respiratory conditions. A thorough medical examination including history, physical exam, and diagnostic tests is necessary to determine the specific cause.
Step-by-step explanation:
Coughing without other signs and symptoms can suggest several different respiratory conditions depending on accompanying factors and the patient's health history. Conditions such as bronchitis, which is an infection that follows a cold or flu and leads to inflammation in the bronchial tubes, could be the cause. Bronchitis is characterized by coughing up mucus and chest congestion. In cases like John's, where a patient regretted not getting a flu vaccine, the healthcare provider may consider influenza (flu) and order tests including chest radiography and sample collection to rule out other potential issues like pneumonia, as seen in Camila's case where her smoking history and persistent cough led to a diagnosis.
Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is a highly transmissible respiratory disease caused by Bordetella pertussis, leading to severe coughing fits that can produce a characteristic whoop sound upon inhalation due to mucus accumulation in the lungs. While some respiratory symptoms can overlap between different diseases, such as coughing and hypoxemia observed in Barbara's case, a thorough examination that includes history taking, physical examination, and diagnostic testing can help differentiate between these conditions and arrive at an accurate diagnosis.