Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 7, 2026

Establishment of a Mouse Model with Cough Hypersensitivity via Inhalation of Citric Acid
Published on: January 10, 2025
Can a management pathway for chronic cough in children improve clinical outcomes: protocol for a multicentre
A B Chang1, C F Robertson, P P van Asperen
1Child Health Division, Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia. annechang@ausdoctors.net
Insights
This study evaluates an evidence-based pathway for managing chronic cough in children, aiming to improve clinical outcomes and quality of life. The pathway proved feasible and reliable in a multicentre randomized controlled trial.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric respiratory medicine
- Clinical trial methodology
- Evidence-based healthcare
Background:
- Chronic cough in children presents significant human and economic costs.
- Current management of pediatric chronic cough requires improvement.
- The symptom can indicate serious underlying conditions or be benign.
Purpose of the Study:
- To test the feasibility and reliability of an evidence-based management pathway for pediatric chronic cough.
- To assess the impact of this pathway on clinical outcomes, including quality of life.
- To provide evidence supporting optimal management strategies for chronic cough in children.
Main Methods:
- A multicentre randomized controlled trial involving 250 children with new-onset chronic cough.
- Comparison between a standardized clinical management pathway and usual care.
- Data collection included cough diaries, quality of life measures (QOL), and follow-up for 6 months post-diagnosis.
Main Results:
- Primary outcomes focus on group differences in quality of life (QOL) and the proportion of children who are cough-free at 6 weeks.
- The study assesses the feasibility and reliability of implementing the evidence-based pathway.
- Results will inform the effectiveness of the standardized pathway in improving pediatric chronic cough outcomes.
Conclusions:
- The developed clinical management pathway integrates Cochrane Reviews and extensive clinical experience.
- This study aims to provide crucial evidence on the best practices for managing chronic cough in pediatric populations.
- Findings will contribute to optimizing the care of children experiencing persistent cough.
Background:
Chronic cough is common and is associated with significant economic and human costs. While cough can be a problematic symptom without serious consequences, it could also reflect a serious underlying illness. Evidence shows that the management of chronic cough in children needs to be improved. Our study tests the hypothesis that the management of chronic cough in children with an evidence-based management pathway is feasible and reliable, and improves clinical outcomes.
Methods/Design:
We are conducting a multicentre randomised controlled trial based in respiratory clinics in 5 major Australian cities. Children (n = 250) fulfilling inclusion criteria (new patients with chronic cough) are randomised (allocation concealed) to the standardised clinical management pathway (specialist starts clinical pathway within 2 weeks) or usual care (existing care until review by specialist at 6 weeks). Cough diary, cough-specific quality of life (QOL) and generic QOL are collected at baseline and at 6, 10, 14, 26, and 52 weeks. Children are followed-up for 6 months after diagnosis and cough resolution (with at least monthly contact from study nurses). A random sample from each site will be independently examined to determine adherence to the pathway. Primary outcomes are group differences in QOL and proportion of children that are cough free at week 6.
Discussion:
The clinical management pathway is based on data from Cochrane Reviews combined with collective clinical experience (250 doctor years). This study will provide additional evidence on the optimal management of chronic cough in children.
Trial Registration:
ACTRN12607000526471.
Related Concept Videos
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-V: Management
Smoking Cessation
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-V: Nursing Management
Assessment
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-IV: Assessement and Diagnostic Studies
Medical History
COPD: Management Using Bronchodilators and Corticosteroids
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-I: Introduction
Asthma: Pathogenesis and Management
Asthma is classified as allergic and non-allergic. Allergens such as dust mites, pollen, and pet dander trigger allergic asthma, while factors like cold air, intense emotions, or exercise can induce non-allergic asthma.