Chronic Cough
What Is Chronic Cough?
A chronic cough is a persistent cough lasting more than four weeks in children. It differs from acute coughs caused by short-term infections and often requires medical evaluation.
Causes of Chronic Cough in Children
Several conditions can lead to chronic cough in children and they are different from adults. Common conditions leading to chronic cough in children includes:
- Asthma: A common condition causing wheezing, shortness of breath, and persistent coughing.
- Nasal Allergy: Allergens like pollen, dust, and pet dander can irritate the nasal passages and airways.
- Tuberculosis: tuberculosis can lead to chronic cough, blood in sputum, persistent fever and weight loss.
- Sinusitis: Sinusitis, or inflammation of the sinuses, often causes postnasal drip, where mucus from the sinuses drips down the back of the throat. This can irritate the throat and trigger a persistent cough.
Less common causes of chronic cough in children includes-
- Foreign body aspiration
- Suppurative lung disease/bronchiectasis like cystic fibrosis, primary ciliary dyskinesia, idiopathic bronchectasis
- Habit cough, etc. Children with these less common causes often have certain red flag signs or indicators of a possible serious cause of chronic cough.
RED FLAG signs to Look Out For
Chronic cough may present alongside other signs or symptoms, which can help in diagnosing the cause. Presence of any of these indicators points to a possible serious cause of chronic cough as mentioned above-
- Duration of cough >6 months
- Daily moist or productive cough
- Child not gaining adequate weight or weight loss
- Presence of blood in the sputum (Haemoptysis)
- Recurrent pneumonia
- Difficulty in breathing (dyspnoea) at rest or during exercise
- Recurrent infections at other body sites like skin, abdomen etc.
- Swallowing problems
- Chest Xray showing patches or pneumonia
If you notice these symptoms in your child, consult a pediatric pulmonologist promptly.
Diagnosis
Diagnosing chronic cough involves a detailed medical history, physical examination, and sometimes diagnostic tests like X-rays, spirometry/lung function tests, or allergy testing. Some children might need further investigations like a CT scan of chest or sinuses, investigations for Gastro-esophageal reflux, flexible bronchoscopy, sweat chloride test, etc.
Treatment
The treatment of chronic cough in children depends on the underlying cause and needs to be tailored accordingly.
Chronic cough in children is a condition that should not be ignored. By understanding the causes and symptoms, parents can ensure timely medical intervention. Whether it’s asthma, allergies, or another condition, proper diagnosis and treatment can significantly improve your child’s quality of life. For expert advice and tailored care, consult a pediatric pulmonologist. Early intervention is key to managing chronic cough effectively. Conclusion
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is considered a chronic cough in children?
A cough lasting longer than four weeks is classified as chronic in children and warrants medical evaluation.
2. Can allergies cause chronic cough?
Yes, allergies to environmental factors such as dust mites, pollen, or mold are common triggers for chronic cough.
3. How is chronic cough treated in children?
Treatment depends on the underlying cause and needs to tailored as per the diagnosis.
4. Is chronic cough always a sign of a serious condition?
Not necessarily. Common problems like nasal allergy, sinusitis, seasonal asthma can also lead to chronic cough.
5. When should I take my child to a doctor for chronic cough?
You should see a doctor if the cough lasts more than four weeks especially if it accompanied by red flag signs which indicate an underlying serious disease.
