Pediatr. praxi. 2023;24(1):24-28 | DOI: 10.36290/ped.2023.014

Multidisciplinary approach to the diagnosis of chronic childhood cough in pediatric practice

MUDr. Peter Kunč, PhD.¹, MUDr. Jaroslav Fábry, PhD.², prof. MUDr. Renata Péčová, PhD.³, MUDr. Peter Ferenc, PhD.¹, MUDr. Tomáš Strachan, PhD.¹, MUDr. Michaela Matiščáková¹

¹ Národný ústav detskej tuberkulózy a respiračných chorôb, n. o., Dolný Smokovec

² Klinika detskej tuberkulózy a respiračných chorôb JLF UK a Národného ústavu detskej tuberkulózy a respiračných chorôb, n. o., Dolný Smokovec

³ Ústav patologickej fyziológie, Univerzita Komenského v Bratislave, Jesseniova lekárska fakulta v Martine

Chronic cough is one of the most common causes of differential diagnosis in childhood. The reasons for the appearance and persistence of cough refractory to symptomatic therapy are diverse. Taking this into account, a multidisciplinary approach is necessary, which often leads to the early detection of the exact causative agent of cough and thus conditions the initiation of specific and targeted therapeutic interventions. The most common clinical entities involved in chronic cough include prolonged bacterial bronchitis, bronchial asthma, and upper airway cough syndrome. The role of pediatricians in the primary care sector is crucial in the diagnostic process, as adequate clinical judgement in more complicated cases can significantly advance the identification of specific triggers of childhood chronic cough.

Keywords: chronic cough, children, diagnosis, differential diagnosis, multidisciplinary approach.

Accepted: February 7, 2023; Published: February 20, 2023  Show citation