Cough in children

Related Experiment Video

Updated: Oct 17, 2026

Methods for Detecting Cough and Airway Inflammation in Mice
04:33

Methods for Detecting Cough and Airway Inflammation in Mice

Published on: August 2, 2024

A B Chang1, C F Robertson

  • 1Department of Respiratory Medicine, Mater Misericordiae Children's Hospital, Brisbane, QLD. achang@mater.org.au

The Medical Journal of Australia
|March 29, 2000
PubMed

Insights

Persistent moist cough in children is abnormal and requires investigation. Non-specific dry cough, however, is poorly understood, with ongoing debates regarding its causes and management strategies.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Respiratory Medicine
  • Clinical Investigation

Background:

  • Cough is a frequent pediatric symptom.
  • Persistent moist or productive cough indicates underlying pathology.
  • Non-specific cough (dry, non-productive) in children lacks clear understanding.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the diagnostic approach to pediatric cough.
  • To discuss controversies surrounding non-specific cough in children.
  • To provide insights into the management of non-specific cough.

Main Methods:

  • Review of clinical history and physical examination findings.
  • Role of diagnostic tools like chest X-ray and spirometry.
  • Discussion of current literature and expert opinions on non-specific cough.

Main Results:

  • Specific cough types often have identifiable causes through standard investigations.
  • Non-specific cough remains a diagnostic challenge.
  • Management strategies for non-specific cough are debated.

Conclusions:

  • Differentiating between specific and non-specific cough is crucial in pediatric practice.
  • Further research is needed to elucidate the pathophysiology and optimal treatment of non-specific cough.
  • Clinical evaluation remains key for managing pediatric cough effectively.

More Related Videos

Establishment of a Mouse Model with Cough Hypersensitivity via Inhalation of Citric Acid05:43

Establishment of a Mouse Model with Cough Hypersensitivity via Inhalation of Citric Acid

Published on: January 10, 2025

Related Concept Videos

Pulmonary Cycle: Exhalation01:17

Pulmonary Cycle: Exhalation

In terms of human respiration, the act of expelling air, known as exhalation (or expiration), operates on the principle of pressure gradients. During expiration, the pressure within the lungs exceeds that of the surrounding atmosphere. Under normal conditions, quiet breathing involves passive exhalation and is free of muscular contractions. This is because the exhalation process is driven by the natural elastic recoil of the lungs and chest wall, both of which have an inherent tendency to...
Respiratory Syncytial Virus Disease01:29

Respiratory Syncytial Virus Disease

Human respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a widespread pathogen that primarily targets infants and young children but also poses a serious health risk to elderly and immunocompromised individuals. Belonging to the Pneumoviridae family, RSV is a negative-sense, single-stranded RNA virus within the Pneumovirus genus. Its global health burden is significant, with millions of cases annually resulting in hospitalizations and mortality, particularly in resource-limited settings. Although most...
Upper Respiratory Drugs: Antitussives, Expectorants, and Mucolytics01:23

Upper Respiratory Drugs: Antitussives, Expectorants, and Mucolytics

Respiratory symptoms, such as congestion and cough, commonly accompany respiratory tract conditions. Various medications, such as antitussives, expectorants, and mucolytics, play crucial roles in providing relief.
Antitussives include codeine, dextromethorphan (Robitussin), and benzonatate (Tessalon). Codeine and dextromethorphan exert their effects centrally by suppressing the cough reflex center in the medulla.  Benzonatate operates peripherally within the respiratory tract by anesthetizing...
Common Respiratory Disorders01:31

Common Respiratory Disorders

Respiratory disorders, a prevalent health concern globally, are generally divided into two primary categories: upper and lower respiratory tract disorders. The categorization is based on the area of the respiratory system they affect.
Upper respiratory disorders impact the airways above the vocal cords, encompassing areas like the nose, sinuses, and throat. Various conditions fall under this category, including the common cold and allergic rhinitis. These disorders can stem from several causes,...
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease IV: Clinical Manifestations01:19

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease IV: Clinical Manifestations

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, or COPD, is a long-term condition marked by persistent and only partially reversible airflow limitation. It involves two overlapping conditions—chronic bronchitis and emphysema—which often co-appear but differ in dominant symptoms and underlying mechanisms.Chronic Bronchitis FeaturesChronic bronchitis presents with a persistent productive cough and thick, sometimes purulent mucus due to airway inflammation, enlarged mucus glands, and goblet cell...
Upper Respiratory Drugs: Decongestants01:27

Upper Respiratory Drugs: Decongestants

Decongestants are a class of medications used primarily to alleviate nasal congestion, a common symptom resulting from allergies, colds, sinusitis, and other upper respiratory tract infections. These drugs work by activating α-adrenergic receptors, constricting small blood vessels in the nasal membranes. This action results in the opening of clogged nasal passages, thereby facilitating sinus drainage and relieving congestion.
Most decongestants are readily available over-the-counter in various...