Chronic Dry Cough: Could it be Your Polymyalgia Rheumatica?

Division

North Florida

Hospital

Osceola Regional Medical Center

Document Type

Case Report

Publication Date

2020

Keywords

polymyalgia rheumatica, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein, cough

Disciplines

Musculoskeletal Diseases | Rheumatology

Abstract

Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) is a frequent clinical syndrome seen mainly in elderly patients with clinical manifestations of pain and stiffness in the neck, shoulder, and hip. Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) and C-Reactive Protein (CRP) are the most common inflammatory markers found to be elevated in PMR. The main well-known treatment for polymyalgia rheumatica is steroids which can result in a complete resolution of the symptoms. Here, we report a case of a 75-year-old man who presented with respiratory symptoms as the initial manifestation of his polymyalgia rheumatica. Lung involvement should be assessed in patients with polymyalgia rheumatica and respiratory symptoms such as exertional dyspnea and cough in some cases may be the presenting symptoms.

Publisher or Conference

International Journal of Clinical Rheumatology

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