We did not find Chronic cough evaluation in children in Barranquilla, Colombia

When is a child's cough considered chronic?

When it lasts more than four weeks. Many coughs after a cold take two or three weeks to clear, but if it continues longer it deserves a structured evaluation to find the cause.

What is the evaluation like?

The pediatric pulmonologist asks about the cough (dry or wet, at night, with exercise, with choking), reviews growth and examines the child. Depending on the case, they order a chest X-ray, spirometry if age allows, allergy tests, reflux studies or, in specific cases, bronchoscopy or CT.

Which causes are considered?

Asthma, post-infectious cough, protracted bacterial bronchitis (a wet cough that improves with antibiotics), rhinitis or sinusitis with postnasal drip, whooping cough, an inhaled foreign object, reflux, tobacco smoke exposure and, less often, conditions such as cystic fibrosis or bronchiectasis.

Which signs need prompt attention?

Cough that began after a choking episode, daily wet cough, poor weight gain, clubbed fingers, coughing up blood, persistent fever or trouble breathing. Cough syrups are not recommended for young children; treating the cause is what matters.

Find pediatric chronic cough specialists

On MedicosDoc you can find pediatric pulmonologists, allergists and pediatric ENT doctors. Compare profiles and book your child's evaluation.