[Childrens' chronic cough revisited]

Chronic cough is a common symptom in childhood and very often the expression of a cold like respiratory tract infection. Chronic cough may follow an acute cough lasting more than 4-8 weeks or may be the primary symptom of an underlying severe respiratory disease. It is important to find out the exact origin of chronic cough to allow accurate investigation steps and treatment. In childhood, adults like diagnostic approach is not appropriate and differential diagnosis must encompass children specific age dependent diagnosis. This article aims to stress a specific paediatric approach in prolonged or chronic cough and emphasizes the role of protracted bacterial bronchitis, a form of airway disease newly described. This entity should be diagnosed and treated adequately to avoid recurrence and development of bronchiectasis.