Cookies on this website

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you click 'Accept all cookies' we'll assume that you are happy to receive all cookies and you won't see this message again. If you click 'Reject all non-essential cookies' only necessary cookies providing core functionality such as security, network management, and accessibility will be enabled. Click 'Find out more' for information on how to change your cookie settings.

Cough is a common complaint in children. However, data on aetiologies and outcome of chronic cough are sparse in Hong Kong Chinese children. Methods: Records of children referred to the out-patient clinic for chronic cough, defined as cough for more than 4 weeks, in Kwong Wah Hospital, a secondary hospital, over a 12-month period were reviewed. Underlying diagnoses and outcomes after follow up for a variable period were ascertained. Results: 42 patients were included. Chronic cough cases represented 8% of the new referrals. The most common final diagnosis was allergic rhinitis (31%), followed by asthma. Over a follow up period ranging from 4 to 12 months, cough resolved in 54.8%, partially resolved in 40.5% and persisted in 4.7% of patients. Persistent nasal symptoms were identified in 54.8% of our chronic cough patient. 43.5% of allergic rhinitis patient had co-existing asthma. Conclusion: Allergic rhinitis with or without co-existing asthma is the commonest cause of chronic cough in children referred to this department.

Type

Journal article

Journal

Hong Kong Journal of Paediatrics

Publication Date

01/01/2007

Volume

12