Pediatr. praxi. 2021;22(6):381-386 | DOI: 10.36290/ped.2021.082

Chronic respiratory problems in children, a basic diagnostic and therapeutical approach

MUDr. Renáta Říhová

Pneumologická ambulance Dětského oddělení FN Na Bulovce, Praha Immunoflow, s. r. o., Praha

This article contains a simple guideline for primary health care, namely when to assess respiratory problems to be chronic, that typically present with a chronic cough, and how to manage them. Using past medical history data, current symptoms, chest X-rays and spirometry, we are able to identify children with a possible underlying disease (a specific cough), unlike the essentially insignificant postinfectious cough (a non-specific cough). This helps us know when to refer a child to a specialist for further examination. This diagnostic and therapeutical approach follows the latest CHEST recommendations (American College of Chest Physicians). A case report is attached which proves the necessity to reevaluate the diagnostic procedure used for persistent chronic problems.

Keywords: chronic cough, specific and non-specific cough, digital clubbing, protracted bacterial bronchitis, tracheomalacia.

Published: November 24, 2021  Show citation