[Chronic cough and its approach in children]

ABSTRACT

In childhood the most common reason for referring to clinics is coughing. As a protective mechanism the normal child has some cough during the day especially in polluted urban areas [expected cough]; therefore previous history of cough, time of severity and its quality is important in diagnosis of pathologic cough. Chronic cough in children is a 3 weeks duration one, it is divided to specific and non specific cough. After ruling out possible exposure to allergens we take chest x-ray as the first step and then if x-ray or history and physical exam were abnormal we evaluate it as a specific cough. If we didn't find any specific etiology for chronic cough, follow up and observation is recommended, and it should be told to parents there is no harm for their child and usage of drugs is not necessary. Usage of symptomatic anti cough drugs has the same effects as placebo. Paying attention to this symptom and appropriate approach for diagnosis and treatment of each type of chronic cough will help physician to do their best in the management of this symptom