Characteristics of pediatric patients with chronic cough: data from a pediatric immunology and allergy outpatient clinic

Authors : Hilal Ünsal, Beyza Ertürk

Pages : 75-79

Doi:10.32322/jhsm.1567695

View : 20 | Download : 77

Publication Date : 2025-01-12

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :Aims: Chronic cough is a common complaint in childhood. A differential diagnosis is very important in children with a chronic cough. We aimed to investigate the etiology and underlying risk factors of chronic cough in children. Methods: Patients aged 1-18 years who were referred to Sincan Training and Research Hospital Pediatric Immunology and Allergy Outpatient Clinic were included. Demographic, clinical and laboratory features of patients were recorded. Results: The study included 403 children with a median age of 8 years (IQR 6-12) (53% males). 30% of patients had allergic rhinitis (AR), 4.7% of patients had atopic dermatitis (AD), and 2% patients had food allergy (FA) history. 78(19.3%) patients also complained of dyspnea and 9 (2.2%) patients had a diagnosis of cardiovascular disease. 245 (60.8%) asthma-wheezy infant, 107 (26.6%) post-infectious cough, 36 (9%) postnasal drip syndrome, 9 (2.2%) gastroesophageal reflux and 6 (1.5%) psychogenic cough were detected in the whole group. The number of patients with accompanying dyspnea 76 (28.5%) and familial history of atopy 113 (42.3%) were higher in the asthma-wheezy infant group than others group (p<0.001 vs. p<0.001). Skin prick tests were performed in 273 patients and the presence of aeroallergen sensitivity was shown in 122 (30.2%) patients. Immunoglobulin deficiency was detected in 43 (10.7%) patients. Serum IgG, IgA, and IgM levels were low in 26 (6.5%), 18 (4.4%), and 12 (3%) patients, respectively. Conclusion: We found the most common reasons are asthma and post-infectious cough in patients. Chronic cough can be the first symptom of primary immunodeficiency diseases and systemic diseases. A detailed history is necessary to avoid unnecessary procedures, treatments and to avoid delay in diagnosis.
Keywords : Astım, kronik öksürük, çocuklar, immünoglobulin