Approach to chronic cough in children

Abstract

As CC in children differs from that in adults in many ways, a different approach is recommended internationally. Childhood CC is defined as a daily cough of >4 weeks duration. The common causes of CC in children are dependent on age and setting. The term “cough hypersensitivity syndrome” should not be applied in children. An initial clinical assessment for specific cough pointers or “red flags” that may identify underlying serious disease should be undertaken and should always include a chest radiograph and spirometry (when age >6 years). High-quality evidence shows that an algorithmic approach to management in children improves clinical outcomes. Following this, the treatment of CC in children is based on the aetiology and institution of specific therapy for this diagnosis. Finally, parental concerns and environmental exposures which may exacerbate the cough should always be addressed.