Treatment and Management of Chronic Cough in Children

Authors

  • Tristan Henry, MBBS Pediatric Association of Jamaica Resident, General Pediatrics, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON
  • Anya McLaren, MD, MSc, FRCPC Department of Pediatrics, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.58931/cait.2024.4373

Abstract

Chronic cough (CC) in children is common and most often post-viral in nature. CC in children should be comprehensively evaluated and the underlying etiology treated to prevent irreversible lung damage. Refractory chronic cough (RCC) is proposed as a distinct clinical entity in children, which is defined by a persistent cough that does not resolve after comprehensive evaluation and adherence to systematic, guideline-based treatments. RCC may involve a heightened cough reflex sensitivity or altered neural regulation influenced by genetic, environmental, or immunologic factors. This review focuses on the definition, diagnostic approach, and evidence-based management of pediatric RCC, emphasizing the need for a multidisciplinary approach and highlighting research gaps for future targeted therapies.

Author Biographies

Tristan Henry, MBBS, Pediatric Association of Jamaica Resident, General Pediatrics, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON

Tristan Henry completed MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery) at the University of the West Indies, Mona (Jamaica) in 2009. He started his career as a junior doctor at the Bustamante Hospital in Jamaica in pediatric cardiology. He completed his post graduate studies in pediatrics at the University of the West Indies in 2021. As an internationally trained physician, he entered the residency match portal in Canada and was matched to McMaster University where he is currently completing his residency program in general pediatrics.

Anya McLaren, MD, MSc, FRCPC, Department of Pediatrics, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON

Dr. Anya McLaren-Barnett is a pediatric respirologist and sleep medicine physician at McMaster Children’s Hospital and an Assistant Professor in the Department of Pediatrics at McMaster University. She earned her MD and MSc in Physiology from the University of Toronto, where she also completed her residency and fellowship training in Pediatrics and Respirology. Dr. McLaren-Barnett is the co-founder and medical lead of the Sleep Health Organization, where she drives evidence-based education and innovation in pediatric sleep health. Her commitment to knowledge translation is reflected in her role as Pediatric Clerkship Director at McMaster University, where she oversees the pediatric education of the next generation of physicians. She has developed impactful programs, such as the Pediatric Asthma Education Day in Ontario. Dr. McLaren-Barnett’s research interests include sickle cell lung disease and pediatric sleep-disordered breathing. Her scholarly contributions include peer-reviewed publications, presentations at national and international conferences, and collaborative research on interventions for obstructive sleep apnea and the interplay between sleep and physical activity. Passionate about knowledge dissemination, Dr. McLaren-Barnett mentor’s trainees and engages in public and professional education to ensure evidence-based practices improve outcomes for children and their families. She continues to champion innovation and collaboration in pediatric respiratory and sleep health.

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Published

2024-12-19

How to Cite

1.
Henry T, McLaren A. Treatment and Management of Chronic Cough in Children. Can Allergy Immunol Today [Internet]. 2024 Dec. 19 [cited 2024 Dec. 21];4(3):17–22. Available from: https://canadianallergyandimmunologytoday.com/article/view/4-3-Henry_et_al

Issue

Volume 4, Issue 3, Fall 2024

Section

Articles