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Night cough and general practice research
Insights
Children with a family history of atopy experienced significantly more nocturnal cough. Treatments did not demonstrate an effect on cough frequency in this study of night cough in children.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Respiratory Medicine
- Sleep Medicine
Background:
- Nocturnal cough is a common symptom in children.
- The underlying mechanisms and contributing factors require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the frequency and characteristics of nocturnal cough in children.
- To explore potential contributing factors, such as family history of atopy.
- To assess the impact of treatment on nocturnal cough frequency.
Main Methods:
- Utilized an automatic voice-activated tape recorder system for objective cough monitoring.
- Studied 34 children aged 3-9 years with nocturnal cough over successive nights.
- Recorded cough frequency and analyzed variations between and within subjects.
Main Results:
- Children with a family history of atopy exhibited significantly higher nocturnal cough frequency.
- A considerable variation in cough frequency was observed both between individual children and within the same child on different nights.
- No significant effects of investigated treatments on nocturnal cough frequency were found.
Conclusions:
- Family history of atopy is associated with increased nocturnal cough in children.
- Nocturnal cough exhibits high variability, suggesting complex underlying mechanisms.
- Further research into the physiological and pathological mechanisms of night cough is warranted.
Abstract:
Thirty-four children, aged between three and nine years, presenting with nocturnal cough, were studied on successive nights using an automatic voice activated tape recorder system. Children with a family history of atopy coughed significantly more than children without such a family history. A wide variation in cough frequency was found both between and within subjects. No effects of treatment on cough frequency were demonstrated. Some of the physiological and pathological mechanisms underlying night cough are discussed.