Somatic Cough Syndrome in a Male Child: A Case Report

A 10-year-old boy, presented with a one-year history of persistent cough, insidious in onset, which often exacerbated to vomiting, perspiration, and breathlessness. Symptoms were exacerbated in school when a teacher was present in the classroom and relieved when he was occupied with hobbies such as watching television or just relaxing. He was prescribed multiple medications for over a year, but his symptoms persisted and did not show any improvement even after the use of appropriate medicines as per the doctor's advice. Despite detailed medical evaluation, no organic cause was found. So considering a non-organic cause, a psychological assessment was done and he was found to have an anxiety disorder (Child Anxiety Related Disorders questionnaire score of 26). He was initiated on cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness, and distress tolerance skill lessons. Subsequently, he showed significant improvement in his symptoms. This case emphasizes the necessity to recognize underlying anxiety disorder and psychosocial problems such as dysfunctional parenting in the management of persistent chronic cough with no identifiable organic cause.