These key learning points summarize the consensus- and evidence-based recommendations included in this edition. The sources listed here for each statement recommend that physicians perform or implement these actions directly in a clinical setting.

1. In the initial evaluation of patients with chronic cough, assess for red flag signs and symptoms suggestive of a life-threatening diagnosis, including hemoptysis, voice changes, trouble swallowing, dyspnea at rest, stridor, fever, weight loss or gain, leg edema, tachypnea, and a history of tobacco use.
Strength of Evidence: SORT C
Sources: Chest, Dtsch Arztebl Int, references 19 and 22
Websites: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4694189/;
                   https://www.mayoclinicproceedings.org/article/S0025-6196(13)00722-2/fulltext

2. For patients with chronic refractory cough, prescribe a trial of pregabalin, gabapentin, or speech therapy and consider referral to a pulmonologist or otolaryngologist.
Strength of Evidence: SORT C
Source: Am Fam Physician, reference 22
Website: https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2017/1101/p575.html

3. For patients with wheezing, obtain pulmonary function tests as part of initial diagnostic tests.
Strength of Evidence: SORT C
Sources: Cleve Clin J Med, Am Fam Physician, references 49 and 64
Websites: https://www.ccjm.org/content/57/4/345.long
                   https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2020/0315/p362.html

4. For patients with hemoptysis, obtain a chest x-ray as the initial diagnostic imaging test.
Strength of Evidence: SORT C
Sources: ACR Appropriateness Criteria®, Diagn Interv Radiol, references 136 and 138
Websites: https://www.jacr.org/article/S1546-1440(20)30131-9/fulltext
                   https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4463269/

5. Initial treatment of patients presenting with life-threatening hemoptysis should focus on maintaining the airway and hemodynamic stabilization.
Strength of Evidence: SORT A
Source: J Thorac Dis, reference 153
Website: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8411133/