Cough is a common symptom that can be a sign of a minor, self-resolving ailment or a serious disease.
Case: A 45-year-old woman presents for an annual gynecologic exam. She has a history of hypertension that is treated with medication, hyperlipidemia, and obesity. On review of systems, you discover she has a dry cough that has been present for 2 or 3 months.
What is the differential diagnosis for cough, and how would you approach her work-up?