Cough in the Pediatric Patient

Coughs are one of the most common symptoms of childhood illness. But when should we start to get worried? What is a child’s cough trying to tell you? Dr. Sunil Kapoor, a Pediatric Pulmonology Physician, joins Dr. Rebecca Yang and medical student Aparna Prasad to discuss the evaluation and management of chronic cough in children.  Specifically, they will: 

• Review the history and physical examination for a child presenting with a chronic cough
• Discuss the treatment for the most common causes of cough in children
• Evaluate the symptoms that suggest an underlying immunodeficiency
• Review the criteria for a referral to pulmonology

Special thanks to Dr. Dionne Adair, Dr.Sunil Kapoor, and Dr. Rebecca Yang for peer reviewing this episode.

CME Credit (requires free sign up):  https://mcg.cloud-cme.com/course/courseoverview?P=0&EID=19516 

References:

1. Marchant, J. (2021, September 30). Causes of chronic cough in children. UpToDate. Retrieved June 2, 2022, from https://www.uptodate.com/contents/causes-of-chronic-cough-in-children?search=common+causes+of+chronic+cough+in+young+kids&source=search_result&selectedTitle=1~150&usage_type=default&display_rank=1   
2. Chang, A. (2020, November 18). Approach to chronic cough in children. UpToDate. Retrieved June 2, 2022, from https://www.uptodate.com/contents/approach-to-chronic-cough-in-children?search=common+causes+of+chronic+cough+in+young+kids&source=search_result&selectedTitle=2~150&usage_type=default&display_rank=2   
3. Gregory, S. (2021, May 4). Asthma in children younger than 12 years: Overview of initiating therapy and monitoring control. UpToDate. Retrieved June 2, 2022, from https://www.uptodate.com/contents/asthma-in-children-younger-than-12-years-overview-of-initiating-therapy-and-monitoring-control?search=chronic+cough+in+children&topicRef=91328&source=related_link   
4. Pratter M. Chronic upper airway cough syndrome secondary to rhinosinus diseases (previously referred to as postnasal drip syndrome): ACCP evidence-based clinical practice guidelines. Chest. 2006;129(1 suppl):63S-71S.