Dr Ali's comments are welcomed. In hindsight the neck swelling should
have
been actively investigated - biopsy may have allowed an earlier and/or
less
invasive diagnosis. Nonetheless, the chest radiograph aided staging and
choice
of further imaging - it should have been performed on admission.
The inclusion of fever in the BTS Cough Guidelines allows serious
conditions
such as pneumonia, tuberculosis and lymphoma to be diagnosed early. The
chest radiograph is a highly effective screening tool in these cases,
although
admittedly patients with simple upper respiratory tract infections and
persistent
fever may end up being unnecessarily radiographed.
Rapid Response:
Re: To be less invasive and less irrational.
Dr Ali's comments are welcomed. In hindsight the neck swelling should
have
been actively investigated - biopsy may have allowed an earlier and/or
less
invasive diagnosis. Nonetheless, the chest radiograph aided staging and
choice
of further imaging - it should have been performed on admission.
The inclusion of fever in the BTS Cough Guidelines allows serious
conditions
such as pneumonia, tuberculosis and lymphoma to be diagnosed early. The
chest radiograph is a highly effective screening tool in these cases,
although
admittedly patients with simple upper respiratory tract infections and
persistent
fever may end up being unnecessarily radiographed.
Competing interests:
None declared
Competing interests: No competing interests