Psychogenic cough in an asthmatic child: case report with unusual findings

A 9-year-old girl with known mild intermittent asthma presented with a persistent cough. Her cough exhibited a four-beat staccato rhythm, was nonproductive, and persisted only while awake. On physical examination, she displayed several unique findings not previously described. An extensive yet non-diagnostic medical workup coupled with absence of aggressive medical treatment for the more usual causes of cough lead to psychologic investigation and intervention with subsequent cough resolution. The appropriate use of psychologic consultation, testing, and success with supportive reinforcement therapy confirmed a psychogenic etiology. Extended medical follow-up of the patient concerning cough reoccurrence remains uneventful.