[Persistent coughs in children and adolescents].

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Pulmonology
• Diagnostic Medicine

Context:

• Chronic cough in children presents a diagnostic challenge.
• Initial assessment involves detailed history, clinical examination, and chest X-ray.
• Identifying the etiology is crucial for effective management.

Purpose:

• To outline the diagnostic approach for persistent cough in children.
• To review common and less common causes of chronic cough.
• To highlight red flags indicating serious underlying conditions.

Summary:

• Persistent cough (>4-8 weeks) necessitates a thorough diagnostic workup.
• Common causes include post-nasal drip syndrome, cough variant asthma, protracted bacterial bronchitis, and post-infectious cough.
• Less common but critical diagnoses to consider are foreign body aspiration, cystic fibrosis, bronchiectasis, and sensory neuropathy.

Impact:

• Facilitates accurate diagnosis of pediatric chronic cough.
• Guides clinicians in selecting appropriate investigations.
• Improves patient outcomes by addressing the root cause of persistent cough.