Analysis of the Literature on Chronic Cough in Children

Abstract

Throughout childhood, various developmental phenomena influence the cough reflex. Among these are the modifications in the anatomy and functions of the respiratory tract and the central and peripheral nervous systems. Moreover, after birth, the immunological response undergoes progressive transformations with the acquisition of immune memory processes. These conditions make infections and airway abnormalities the overwhelming cause of chronic cough in children and infants. In children, chronic cough should be treated on the basis of etiology. The aim of this article is to provide thorough research and analysis of the medical literature published up to 2014 on chronic cough in children as a disease entity, including the epidemiologic, etiologic, diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic aspects.Our results demonstrate differences in the definition of chronic cough, the characteristics of diagnostic procedures, study settings, and prevalence of the main causes. However, few studies regarding epidemiology and the quality of life have been reported. Many therapeutic approaches that are considered effective in adults with chronic cough seem to be less efficient in children. Regardless of the setting, whether pediatric or non-pediatric, children with chronic cough should be carefully evaluated using child-specific protocols and algorithms. Awareness of the various pathophysiological conditions associated with chronic cough is vital for making a correct diagnosis and providing appropriate treatment. The prevalence of the different causes of chronic cough depends on various issues. Among these are the population under consideration and its age range, infectious disease control and prevention, the diagnostic procedures employed, disease definition criteria, and the local health system. Clinical guidelines for the management of children with chronic cough should take these components into consideration. Further clinical and basic research studies are still needed for better diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of chronic cough in children.

Prevalence and Clinical Characteristics of Acute Cough in Indian Pediatric Population: Insights from Real-World Study

“…[ 17 ] Apart from this, several other aspects, such as anatomical and developmental factors, immunological responses, and environmental conditions, also contribute to the higher occurrence of dry cough among children. [ 18 19 ] This identification of the cough type assists primary care physicians in maintaining awareness and conducting regular reevaluations, rather than initiating immediate treatment. [ 12 ] The presence of a specific cough often suggests clinical features indicating an underlying cause, while a nonspecific cough lacks identifiable respiratory disease or known etiology even after a thorough assessment.…”

Prevalence and Clinical Characteristics of Acute Cough in Indian Pediatric Population: Insights from Real-World Study

“…[ 17 ] Apart from this, several other aspects, such as anatomical and developmental factors, immunological responses, and environmental conditions, also contribute to the higher occurrence of dry cough among children. [ 18 19 ] This identification of the cough type assists primary care physicians in maintaining awareness and conducting regular reevaluations, rather than initiating immediate treatment. [ 12 ] The presence of a specific cough often suggests clinical features indicating an underlying cause, while a nonspecific cough lacks identifiable respiratory disease or known etiology even after a thorough assessment.…”

Chronic cough: A review and prospects

“…[ 4 ] CC is generally more prevalent in women (66–73%) than in men, and the gender differences can mainly be related to the airways C-fibers; polymodal nonmyelinated endings capable of detecting chemical substances and temperature changes. [ 36 ] The influence of gonadal sex hormones on ion channels has long been recognized in human physiology. Moreover, females are predominantly affected by functional disorders involving ion channels.…”

Pediatric bronchiectasis—the importance of early diagnosis of children across the chronic wet cough spectrum

“…Chronic cough in children aged <15 years, defined as a daily cough of >4 weeks duration, by almost all guidelines ( 48 - 50 ), is often a sign of underlying pathology ( 51 ). While there are limited accurate data on its prevalence ( 52 ), chronic cough is reported to be more common among pre-schoolers and childcare attenders ( 53 , 54 ). A systematic review ( 55 ) identified that 10% of children reported a persistent cough on day 25 after presentation to primary care or emergency department.…”

Prevalence and Clinical Characteristics of Acute Cough in Indian Pediatric Population: Insights from Real-World Study

“…[ 17 ] Apart from this, several other aspects, such as anatomical and developmental factors, immunological responses, and environmental conditions, also contribute to the higher occurrence of dry cough among children. [ 18 19 ] This identification of the cough type assists primary care physicians in maintaining awareness and conducting regular reevaluations, rather than initiating immediate treatment. [ 12 ] The presence of a specific cough often suggests clinical features indicating an underlying cause, while a nonspecific cough lacks identifiable respiratory disease or known etiology even after a thorough assessment.…”

Chronic cough: A review and prospects

“…[ 4 ] CC is generally more prevalent in women (66–73%) than in men, and the gender differences can mainly be related to the airways C-fibers; polymodal nonmyelinated endings capable of detecting chemical substances and temperature changes. [ 36 ] The influence of gonadal sex hormones on ion channels has long been recognized in human physiology. Moreover, females are predominantly affected by functional disorders involving ion channels.…”

Pediatric bronchiectasis—the importance of early diagnosis of children across the chronic wet cough spectrum

“…Chronic cough in children aged <15 years, defined as a daily cough of >4 weeks duration, by almost all guidelines ( 48 - 50 ), is often a sign of underlying pathology ( 51 ). While there are limited accurate data on its prevalence ( 52 ), chronic cough is reported to be more common among pre-schoolers and childcare attenders ( 53 , 54 ). A systematic review ( 55 ) identified that 10% of children reported a persistent cough on day 25 after presentation to primary care or emergency department.…”

Prevalence and Clinical Characteristics of Acute Cough in Indian Pediatric Population: Insights from Real-World Study

“…[ 17 ] Apart from this, several other aspects, such as anatomical and developmental factors, immunological responses, and environmental conditions, also contribute to the higher occurrence of dry cough among children. [ 18 19 ] This identification of the cough type assists primary care physicians in maintaining awareness and conducting regular reevaluations, rather than initiating immediate treatment. [ 12 ] The presence of a specific cough often suggests clinical features indicating an underlying cause, while a nonspecific cough lacks identifiable respiratory disease or known etiology even after a thorough assessment.…”

Chronic cough: A review and prospects

“…[ 4 ] CC is generally more prevalent in women (66–73%) than in men, and the gender differences can mainly be related to the airways C-fibers; polymodal nonmyelinated endings capable of detecting chemical substances and temperature changes. [ 36 ] The influence of gonadal sex hormones on ion channels has long been recognized in human physiology. Moreover, females are predominantly affected by functional disorders involving ion channels.…”

Pediatric bronchiectasis—the importance of early diagnosis of children across the chronic wet cough spectrum

“…Chronic cough in children aged <15 years, defined as a daily cough of >4 weeks duration, by almost all guidelines ( 48 - 50 ), is often a sign of underlying pathology ( 51 ). While there are limited accurate data on its prevalence ( 52 ), chronic cough is reported to be more common among pre-schoolers and childcare attenders ( 53 , 54 ). A systematic review ( 55 ) identified that 10% of children reported a persistent cough on day 25 after presentation to primary care or emergency department.…”