Chronic cough in infants and children

Chronic cough is an important, sometimes frustrating problem, often encountered by the otolaryngologist‐head and neck surgeon. Thirty‐eight infants and children under age 16 with a normal chest roentgenogram were evaluated for chronic cough persisting for longer than 4 weeks. Specific therapy (rather than symptomatic treatment) of chronic cough lead to a resolution or control of the cough in 33 (87%). Cough‐variant asthma was by far the most common cause of chronic cough, followed by sinusitis, aberrant innominate artery, psychogenic cough, and subglottic stenosis. In addition to a detailed history, physical examination, and chest roentgenogram, endoscopy, paranasal sinus roentgenograms, and pulmonary function studies with methacholine challenge testing were particularly effective for establishing a precise diagnosis. Chronic cough is best managed by determining the precise cause of the cough, then specifically treating the underlying disorder. Children with persistent cough and a normal chest roentgenogram should be referred promptly for evaluation by an otolaryngologist when the primary physician's initial efforts at diagnosis and treatment are unsuccessful. Endoscopy is under‐utilized in practice and its importance is understated in the literature. It is particularly helpful in establishing a precise diagnosis in infants under 18 months of age.