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Pediatric cough: what the otolaryngologist needs to know

Ryan Palmer1, Jack B Anon, Phil Gallagher

  • 1Millcreek Community Hospital, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 16508, USA.

Current Opinion in Otolaryngology & Head and Neck Surgery
|April 19, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Pediatric chronic cough often stems from elusive causes like allergies or infections. A multidisciplinary team approach is crucial for accurate diagnosis and targeted treatment in children.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Pulmonology
  • Allergy and Immunology
  • Otolaryngology

Background:

  • Chronic cough affects a significant percentage of children, presenting diagnostic challenges.
  • Common etiologies include allergies, postnasal drip, asthma, and infections.
  • The concept of cough-variant asthma is under review, with evolving evidence.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To present a structured framework for evaluating pediatric patients with chronic cough.
  • To synthesize current understanding of the causes of chronic cough in children.
  • To guide clinicians in diagnosing and managing this common pediatric condition.

Main Methods:

  • This is a review article, synthesizing existing literature and clinical evidence.
  • The framework presented is based on established medical knowledge and expert consensus.
  • Evidence regarding cough-variant asthma is critically examined.

Main Results:

  • Common causes of pediatric chronic cough include allergies, postnasal drip, asthma, and infections.
  • The diagnostic approach should consider a broad range of potential etiologies.
  • Evidence supporting the distinct entity of cough-variant asthma is discussed.

Conclusions:

  • Effective management of pediatric chronic cough requires a multidisciplinary team approach.
  • Specialists including pulmonologists, gastroenterologists, allergists, immunologists, and otolaryngologists should collaborate.
  • Treatment should be tailored to the specific underlying diagnosis once identified.
Abstract

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