Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 12, 2026
Methods for Detecting Cough and Airway Inflammation in Mice
Published on: August 2, 2024
Prevalence and Clinical Characteristics of Acute Cough in Indian Pediatric Population: Insights from Real-World Study
Surinder Kumar Jindal1, Agam Vora2, Harshad Malve3
1Jindal Chest Clinics, Chandigarh, India.
Insights
Cough is a significant issue in children, with one-quarter of patients experiencing it. Nonproductive and nonspecific coughs are most common, often linked to respiratory infections, highlighting the need for better pediatric cough management.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Respiratory Medicine
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Cough is a prevalent symptom in children, frequently necessitating medical attention.
- Pediatric cough presents unique etiological and management challenges compared to adults due to developmental differences.
- Understanding pediatric cough is crucial for effective healthcare strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of cough in the Indian pediatric population.
- To analyze the clinical characteristics and types of cough among children.
- To provide real-world data on pediatric cough for improved management.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective analysis of electronic medical records was conducted.
- The study included pediatric patients under 18 years of age presenting with cough.
- Data on cough type, associated conditions, and physician consultations were extracted.
Main Results:
- Children constituted 25.55% of all patients with cough symptoms.
- Nonproductive cough (8.28%) and nonspecific cough (87.17%) were more prevalent than productive cough (4.55%).
- Respiratory infections were the most common associated condition, followed by asthma and bronchitis. Fever and cold were frequent accompanying symptoms.
Conclusions:
- Pediatric cough represents a substantial healthcare burden, affecting approximately one-quarter of patients.
- Nonspecific and nonproductive coughs are predominant in children, emphasizing diagnostic challenges.
- Effective management strategies require a thorough understanding of pediatric cough's prevalence and characteristics.
Introduction:
Coughing is a common symptom in children, often leading to healthcare visits. It is primarily linked to acute viral respiratory tract infections but can also result from bacterial infections, allergies, and asthma. Pediatric cough differs from adult cough in etiology and management due to the anatomical and developmental changes in the respiratory tract during childhood. This study aims to evaluate the prevalence, clinical characteristics, and types of cough in the Indian pediatric population through a retrospective real-world study.
Methods:
Electronic medical records of pediatric patients presenting with cough was studied to understand the prevalence and clinical features of acute cough in children <18 years.
Results:
Out of the total 22,51,735 patients, it was found that 5,75,284 patients (25.55%) reporting cough symptoms were children, indicating 1/4th of the cohort was <18 years of age, which is a noteworthy proportion. Nonproductive cough (8.28%) was more prevalent than productive cough (4.55%). Additionally, nonspecific cough (87.17%), lacking identifiable causes, was more significant among children. A higher proportion (31.47%, 231,946) of pediatric patients consulted general physicians (GPs), for cough-related issues. Respiratory infection was the most frequently associated condition, followed by asthma and bronchitis. Fever and cold were common complaints in patients with both productive and nonproductive cough.
Conclusion:
This study highlighted the significant burden of cough in children and underscored the importance of understanding its prevalence, categorization, and clinical characteristics for effective management.
More Related Videos
06:22Machine Learning-Based Cough Tone Classification: Diagnostic Exploration of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Respiratory Tract Infections
Published on: September 19, 2025
05:43Establishment of a Mouse Model with Cough Hypersensitivity via Inhalation of Citric Acid
Published on: January 10, 2025
Related Concept Videos
01:20COPD: Pathogenesis and Clinical Features
The primary cause for the onset of COPD is cigarette smoking and exposure to air pollution. These hazardous factors initiate a chain reaction within the lungs, resulting in chronic inflammation, damage to the airways, and a...
01:30Acute Pharyngitis
Acute pharyngitis is the inflammation of the back of the throat (pharynx), commonly resulting in a sore throat. It is a frequently encountered condition that prompts individuals to seek medical advice.
Classification
Acute pharyngitis can be categorized based on its underlying cause:
01:27Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-IV: Assessement and Diagnostic Studies
Medical History
01:20Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-I: Introduction
01:23Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Overview and Drug Absorption
01:25Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-III: Symptoms and Complications.
Symptoms of COPD can be classified as primary or systemic. Primary symptoms relate to reduced airflow, while systemic or extrapulmonary symptoms relate to COPD's broader impact on the body.
Primary Symptoms of COPD: