Chronic cough in children is one of the most common problems faced by parents and doctors. Although coughing is a normal mechanism of the body for removing foreign bodies or mucus from the respiratory system and clearing it, chronic cough lasts longer than expected and may indicate the presence of an underlying disease.
Chronic cough is defined as cough that lasts longer than 4 weeks in children. Usually, this cough is continuous or intermittent and can cause significant discomfort, especially if it affects the child’s sleep or daily activities.
Chronic cough can have many causes. Some of the most common causes of chronic cough in children include asthma, viral or bacterial infections, prolonged bacterial bronchitis, and rarer conditions such as foreign body aspiration and anatomical abnormalities of the respiratory system. Other serious conditions, such as cystic fibrosis and primary ciliary dyskinesia, can also cause chronic cough.
A complete medical history and a thorough clinical examination by a specialized pediatric pulmonologist can help us determine the cause of the cough. Spirometry, basic blood tests, and chest X-rays may be necessary in the investigation of chronic cough. In more persistent cases, chest CT scan and bronchoscopy could be indicated.
Chronic cough can have many causes. Some of the most common causes of chronic cough in children include asthma, viral or bacterial infections, prolonged bacterial bronchitis, and rarer conditions such as foreign body aspiration and anatomical abnormalities of the respiratory system. Other serious conditions, such as cystic fibrosis and primary ciliary dyskinesia, can also cause chronic cough.
A complete medical history and a thorough clinical examination by a specialized pediatric pulmonologist can help us determine the cause of the cough. Spirometry, basic blood tests, and chest X-rays may be necessary in the investigation of chronic cough. In more persistent cases, chest CT scan and bronchoscopy could be indicated.