Clinical evaluation of chronic cough in children

Cough is a common complaint in pediatrics, and accounts for many visits to the pediatrician for evaluation. Cough can be disruptive at school and interrupt sleep. In the evaluation of cough, it is important to differentiate between acute and chronic cough. Proper evaluation of specific or nonspecific cough through history, physical examination, and appropriate laboratory studies should be performed. Close observation of all patients to ensure therapeutic benefit is important, along with patient education.