Peer Reviewed
Feature Article Respiratory medicine
Investigating the child with a cough
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Breathing problems
Breathing problems
Abstract
Cough is a common feature of acute lower respiratory tract infections and most chronic respiratory diseases. Establishing an exact diagnosis for the child with a prolonged cough or with recurrent episodes of cough without wheeze is often difficult and management options are limited.
Key Points
- Viral bronchitis is a common cause of cough.
- Whooping cough should be considered in a child with prolonged cough.
- Cough without wheeze is usually not asthma.
- Chest x-ray is the first investigation to consider in the child with prolonged or recurrent cough.
- CT scan of the chest is the investigation of choice for bronchiectasis.
- A thorough history is of more value than most available investigations.
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