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Chronic cough in children
A K Leung1, W L Robson, J Tay-Uyboco
1Department of Pediatrics, University of Calgary.
Canadian Family Physician Medecin De Famille Canadien
|March 1, 1994
Insights
Asthma and viral infections are common causes of chronic cough in children. Identifying other potential causes requires a detailed history, physical exam, and basic lab tests for accurate diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Pulmonology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Chronic cough in children is a common clinical problem.
- Asthma and recurrent viral upper respiratory infections are the leading etiologies.
- Understanding differential diagnoses is crucial for effective management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the importance of considering less common causes of chronic cough in pediatric patients.
- To emphasize the diagnostic approach for identifying the etiology of chronic cough.
Main Methods:
- Review of common and uncommon causes of chronic cough in children.
- Emphasis on the role of clinical assessment including patient history and physical examination.
- Inclusion of basic laboratory investigations in the diagnostic workup.
Main Results:
- Asthma and viral infections are the most frequent causes identified.
- A systematic diagnostic approach can identify the underlying cause in most cases.
- Simple investigations are often sufficient for diagnosis.
Conclusions:
- While asthma and viral infections are prevalent, a broad differential diagnosis for pediatric chronic cough is necessary.
- A comprehensive clinical evaluation, including history, physical exam, and targeted investigations, is key to accurate diagnosis and management.
Abstract:
The two most common causes of chronic cough among children are asthma and recurrent viral upper respiratory infection. Awareness of other potential causes of chronic cough is important. A specific diagnosis can usually be made with a thorough history, physical examination, and simple laboratory investigations.