title: The approach to pediatric cough.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To provide an overview of pediatric cough, with specific emphasis on various causes, to aid in diagnosis and treatment.
  
  
  METHODS
  Relevant articles and references published between January 1, 1961, and May 1, 2009, were found through a PubMed search using the following keywords: pediatric cough and cough in children.
  
  
  METHODS
  All key relevant articles and textbook sections were reviewed, and the most relevant were selected for inclusion in this review.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Although asthma, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and postnasal drip can be causes of cough in children, it is important to think of other potential causes, such as bronchitis, postviral cough, and foreign-body inhalation. Testing and treatment for cough will vary, depending on the presentation and diagnosis. Just as in adults, in children, the cause of cough can be multifactorial.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Pediatric cough is commonly encountered by primary care physicians and allergists. Physicians should be aware of the various potential causes of cough in children to properly determine the cause so that testing and treatment can proceed appropriately.
authors.affiliation: Mankato Clinic, Allergy/Asthma/Immunology, Mankato, Minnesota 56001, USA. VasanR@mankato-clinic.com
authors.forename: Srinivasan
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Ramanuja
authors.forename: Pramod S
authors.initials: PS
authors.lastname: Kelkar
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000818:Animals; D000996:Antitussive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001249:Asthma / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis*; D001987:Bronchiectasis; D001988:Bronchiolitis; D001996:Bronchopneumonia / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis*; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003371:Cough / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004155:Diphenhydramine / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005764:Gastroesophageal Reflux / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis*; D006801:Humans; D014827:Vocal Cords / Q000473:pathology
chemical_list: D000996:Antitussive Agents; D004155:Diphenhydramine