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Frequency and perception of cough severity.
A B Chang1, P D Phelan, C F Robertson
1Department of Paediatrics, Flinders University Northern Territory Clinical School, Alice Springs Hospital, Northern Territory, Australia. abchang@mac.com
Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health
|May 1, 2001
Summary
Children with recurrent cough experience significantly more frequent coughing episodes daily compared to healthy children. Their cough patterns also differ, and perceived severity varies by individual.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Pulmonology
- Respiratory Medicine
- Clinical Pediatrics
Background:
- Cough is a common symptom in children, but its precise frequency and the perception of its severity in cases of recurrent cough remain understudied.
- Understanding these aspects is crucial for accurate diagnosis and effective management of pediatric respiratory conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify and compare the daily frequency of cough in children with and without recurrent cough.
- To assess and compare the perceived severity of cough between these two groups of children.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 84 children, divided into those with (C) and without (NC) recurrent cough, were studied during the same season.
- Cough frequency was objectively measured using a cough-meter.
- Subjective cough severity was evaluated using parent- and child-completed diary cards.
Main Results:
- Children with recurrent cough (C) exhibited a significantly higher median daily cough frequency (65/day) compared to the control group (NC) (10/day).
- The correlation between daytime and nighttime cough was stronger in the NC group (rs = 0.51) than in the C group (rs = 0.3).
- The C group reported significantly higher coughs per score on both subjective assessment methods compared to the NC group.
Conclusions:
- Children diagnosed with recurrent cough demonstrate a substantially higher frequency and a distinct pattern of coughing compared to their healthy peers.
- The subjective experience of cough severity appears to be influenced by the specific population being studied, highlighting the need for nuanced interpretation.