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Habit cough: assessment and management
Dominic A Fitzgerald1, Kasia Kozlowska
1The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Sydney, Australia. dominif2@chw.edu.au
Paediatric Respiratory Reviews
|February 14, 2006
Summary
Habit cough, often mistaken for asthma, is a behavioral cough. Management involves addressing stressors, providing coping strategies, and in severe cases, rehabilitation programs for effective remediation.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Psychology
- Respiratory Medicine
Background:
- Habit cough is frequently misdiagnosed as asthma in children.
- It is characterized by a distinctive cough pattern and occurs during waking hours.
- Family members often suspect habit cough before medical consultation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To differentiate habit cough from other respiratory conditions.
- To outline effective therapeutic strategies for habit cough.
- To emphasize the importance of psychological and social factors in managing habit cough.
Main Methods:
- Clinical observation and patient history.
- Explanation of the condition and reassurance.
- Implementation of coping strategies and psychoeducation.
- Referral to rehabilitation programs for severe cases.
Main Results:
- Simple explanation and reassurance are effective in most cases.
- Coping strategies improve self-control and outcomes in persistent symptoms.
- Rehabilitation programs aid in cough remediation and social reintegration.
Conclusions:
- Habit cough requires accurate diagnosis to avoid unnecessary asthma treatments.
- A multi-faceted approach, including psychological support and rehabilitation, is key to successful management.
- Addressing stressors and empowering patients with control are crucial for recovery.