Screening of non-asthmatic chronic chest troubles in the outpatient chest clinic in a six months period

This study was carried out on 120 children suffering from chronic pulmonary symptoms such as cough, expectoration, anorexia, fever, dyspnoea, chest pain, wheezing, etc. and lasting>3 weeks in a 6 months period starting from 1st of January 2007. Asthmatic patients were excluded. Diagnosis of patients was based upon full medical history, thorough clinical examination, specific laboratory and radiological examinations. Leading causes were tuberculosis [TB], suppurative lung syndromes, interstitial lung diseases, gastro-oesophageal reflux disease [GERD], foreign body aspiration, cystic fibrosis, immune and congenital defects. Early and proper diagnosis is crucial in preventing morbidity and chronicity