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Chronic cough in children: recent advances

Ioanna M Velissariou1, Dimitris A Kafetzis

  • 1University of Athens, Second Department of Paediatrics, Athens, Greece.

Expert Review of Anti-Infective Therapy
|October 16, 2004
PubMed

Insights

Recurrent cough in children often indicates a benign respiratory condition, even with normal lung function. This guide offers a diagnostic framework and management plan to prevent unnecessary tests and treatments for this common childhood symptom.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Pulmonology
  • Clinical Medicine

Background:

  • Recurrent cough is a frequent pediatric complaint, often associated with respiratory illnesses.
  • However, most children experiencing chronic cough exhibit normal pulmonary function tests.
  • This highlights a need for a structured approach to diagnosis and management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To present a diagnostic framework for evaluating recurrent cough in children.
  • To recommend a management plan to prevent over-investigation and over-treatment.
  • To discuss the pathophysiology of cough and recent therapeutic advancements.

Main Methods:

  • Review of current literature on pediatric chronic cough.
  • Development of a clinical diagnostic algorithm.
  • Synthesis of evidence-based management strategies.

Main Results:

  • A significant proportion of pediatric cough cases are self-limiting and do not indicate serious underlying disease.
  • A systematic diagnostic approach can differentiate benign causes from more serious conditions.
  • Evidence-based management can reduce unnecessary medical interventions.

Conclusions:

  • A structured diagnostic framework is essential for managing recurrent pediatric cough.
  • Appropriate management avoids excessive investigations and treatments for a typically benign condition.
  • Understanding cough pathophysiology informs current and future treatment options.

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