Coughing is a reflex used to clear airways that can be a sign of serious infection. A chronic cough is one that lasts from one to eight weeks or longer. A multitude of conditions can cause chronic coughing. Some of these conditions are infectious, some are genetic, some are a result of trauma or they can be allergenic in origin. Treatment varies depending on the cause of the cough. If a child has chronic cough, consult your physician.
Causes
Tuberculosis, pertussis, influenza and strep throat are examples of infectious diseases that can cause chronic cough. According to MayoClinic.com, asthma is the leading cause of chronic cough in children. Chronic bronchitis, bronchiecstasis, lung cancer and adverse reactions are other possible causes of chronic cough in children. Chronic cough can also be caused by damaged to the respiratory tract that strains it and creates air-flow problems.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of the cough is performed by a physician using many tools. A physician will interview a patient then perform a variety of tests such as X-ray, bronchoscopy, laboratory analysis of phlegm if it is present, auscultation of the lungs using a stethoscope and other general lab analysis. Using these tools a physician will diagnose the condition and recommend proper treatment.
Treatment
Bacterial infections such as tuberculosis and pertussis of the respiratory tract are treated using antibiotic medications and anti-inflammatory drugs. Viral infections such as influenza are treated using antiviral medications. These medications can be administered by injection or orally. Asthma is treated by avoiding allergenic triggers and asthma attacks are treated using corticosteroids. Chronic bronchitis is treated using bronchodilators, steroids and other medications depending on other underlying causes. Bronchectasis is treated can not be treated only stopped from getting worse by treating underlying causes. According to MayoClinic.com, bronchoectasis is almost always caused by pneumonia. Cancer in a child's lungs is treated using a combination of surgery, chemotherapy and radiation.
Complications
Cancer, severe bronchoectasis, rib cage damage and incontinence are all possible complications of leaving chronic cough untreated in a child. Chronic cough can also cause problems with the nervous system producing headaches and dizziness. If a cough persists for more than a week it is highly recommended to seek out your physician.
Considerations
Avoiding smoking, second hand smoke, and maintaining a healthy diet all go a long way in ridding a child of their cough. Honey, cough drops, chest rubs with camphor or menthol and cough syrups are all home remedies that can help ease a child's cough. Most of these products are available over the counter at local drug stores.
References
- "Control of Communicable Diseases Manual 18th Edition"; David L. Heymann; 2004
- MayoClinic.com: Health: Chronic Cough
- "Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine 16th Edition"; Lawrence Madoff, James Macguire, Kenneth Brandt, Bruce Gillaind, Scott Thaier; 2005
- UCSF: Medical Services :Chronic Bronchitis
