Cough Reflex Test (CRT) Practice

The presence of a chronic productive cough with sputum can indeed be observed in bronchiectasis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and asthma, but the context of each condition varies.

In bronchiectasis, the airway walls are damaged and widened, leading to excessive mucus production, which often results in a persistent cough that is productive of sputum. The chronic inflammation and recurrent infections typical of this condition contribute to the ongoing nature of the cough and sputum production.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), particularly its chronic bronchitis component, is characterized by a long-term productive cough. This condition frequently involves an increase in mucus secretion, leading to a cough that produces sputum, often worse upon waking.

Asthma can also present with a cough that is productive in some individuals, especially during asthma exacerbations or if they have a chronic form of the disease. In typical cases, asthma's cough is usually dry or wheezy, but it can become productive if there is significant mucus production or superimposed infection.

Because all three conditions can exhibit a chronic productive cough with sputum, the choice that encompasses all of them is the most comprehensive and accurate. Therefore, acknowledging that each condition contributes to this clinical presentation supports the notion