Cough in children: Definitions and clinical evaluation. Position statement of the Thoracic Society of Australia and New Zealand

• The aetiology and management approach for cough in children differs greatly to that in adults, so the empirical approach commonly used in adults is unsuitable for children. • Clinical evaluation of cough in children should include an assessment of environmental factors, particularly tobacco smoke, parental concerns and expectations. • Most children with acute cough are likely to have an uncomplicated viral acute respiratory tract infection, but the possibility of a more serious problem, especially aspiration of foreign material, should always be considered. • Isolated chronic cough in children is rarely asthma, and the term "cough variant asthma" should not be used. • Over-the-counter and p rescription medications are ineffective for the symptomatic relief of acute cough. • Treatment for chronic cough should be based on aetiology. Because of the favourable natural history of cough, a "positive" response in medication trials should not be assumed to be due to the medication. Children should be reassessed within the expected timeframe of response to therapy.