Persistent cough a forme-fruste of asthma

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Pulmonology
• Allergy and Immunology
• Respiratory Medicine

Background:

• Persistent cough is a common pediatric complaint.
• Allergic diathesis, indicated by atopy and eosinophilia, is often associated with respiratory issues.
• Normal physical examination can mask underlying respiratory conditions in children.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the underlying cause of persistent cough in children with normal physical exams.
• To evaluate the role of allergic diathesis in pediatric persistent cough.
• To determine the efficacy of asthma medications in resolving persistent cough.

Main Methods:

• Study included fifteen children presenting with persistent cough as their sole symptom.
• Evaluated personal and family histories for atopy and blood eosinophilia.
• Performed chest radiography and spirometry to assess lung function.
• Observed the response to theophylline and salbutamol treatment.

Main Results:

• Physical examinations were normal in all participants.
• Chest radiographs revealed hyperinflation in many children.
• Spirometry demonstrated bronchospasm in all studied children.
• Theophylline and salbutamol treatment proved effective in alleviating cough.

Conclusions:

• Persistent cough in children, even with normal physical findings, can be a manifestation of asthma.
• Allergic diathesis is a significant factor to consider in such cases.
• Effective response to asthma medications supports the diagnosis of asthma.