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[Chronic cough in children: etiology and decision trees]
1Service d'allergologie et pneumologie, hôpital des Enfants, 330, avenue de Grande-Bretagne, BP 3119, 31026 Toulouse, France. dutau.g@chu-toulouse.fr
Summary
Recurrent or chronic cough in children requires prompt diagnosis for conditions like cystic fibrosis and asthma. Early evaluation, including history and examination, guides further investigations for effective management.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Pulmonology
- Clinical Medicine
Context:
- Recurrent or chronic cough in children can indicate serious underlying conditions.
- Initial assessment involves detailed history, clinical examination, and auxological assessment.
- Environmental factors like passive smoking and pollution exacerbate cough in young children.
Purpose:
- To outline the diagnostic principles for recurrent or chronic cough in children.
- To describe the most frequent causes of cough based on age.
- To emphasize the importance of early diagnosis and investigation.
Summary:
- The investigation of chronic cough relies on thorough history, clinical findings, and growth monitoring.
- Common causes in children under six include respiratory infections, often worsened by environmental factors.
- Differential diagnoses include cystic fibrosis, asthma, foreign body, and bronchiectasis.
Impact:
- Facilitates timely diagnosis and management of pediatric cough.
- Provides a framework for clinicians evaluating persistent cough in children.
- Highlights the role of environmental factors in pediatric respiratory health.