The Child With Persistent Cough
Wayne J. Morgan MD1
Lynn M. Taussig MD2
1 Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, Division of Respiratory Sciences, Department of Pediatrics, Arizona Health Sciences Center, Tucson
2 Professor of Pediatrics, Division of Respiratory Sciences, Department of Pediatrics, Arizona, Health Sciences Center, Tucson
Chronic or persistent cough in the child is a common pediatric problem. While usually due to persistent airway irritation following common viral infections, it may be a sign of significant respiratory disease. The task is to separate the two and rule out or diagnose underlying conditions. This can be difficult, and an organized approach to potential etiologies of prolonged cough can be useful. In addition to addressing the problem of cough at face value, the practitioner should make sure that the parents do not have other hidden concerns about their child. Patient and parent education about the basic physiology of cough and the illnesses that may produce it can be useful in management. Therapy can then be directed to the underlying cause of the cough or used in a diagnostic manner, as in the case of a trial of bronchodilators.
