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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
Summary
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.