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Primary tracheomalacia and gastroesophageal reflux in infants with cough

C W Callahan1

  • 1Tripler Army Medical Center, (MCHK-PE), Honolulu, HI 96859-5000, USA.

Clinical Pediatrics
|December 29, 1998
PubMed

Insights

Infant cough can stem from tracheomalacia (TM) and gastroesophageal reflux (GER). Early diagnosis and medical management, including bronchodilators, can effectively treat these conditions causing persistent infant cough.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Pulmonology
  • Gastroenterology

Background:

  • Infant cough is uncommon and can indicate airway issues.
  • Central airway abnormalities impair secretion clearance.
  • Tracheomalacia (TM) and gastroesophageal reflux (GER) are potential causes of infant cough.

Observation:

  • Four infants presented with cough since birth.
  • Symptoms suggested central airway obstruction, such as tracheal cough.
  • Diagnoses of TM and GER were confirmed via barium esophagraphy and airway fluoroscopy.

Findings:

  • Tracheomalacia and GER can cause infant cough starting in the newborn period.
  • Diagnostic studies are often available to primary care providers.
  • These conditions showed responsiveness to medical management.

Implications:

  • Early identification of TM and GER is crucial for managing infant cough.
  • Conservative and medical therapies for GER, alongside bronchodilators, can be effective.
  • This highlights the importance of considering both airway and reflux issues in infantile cough.

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