Abstract
Coughing is the most frequent symptom for which parents take their children to see a doctor. The causes of cough as well as the diagnostic algorithm and therapy differ in children and adults.
Recent evidence suggests that only a small proportion of children with non-specific cough have asthma. Extra-oesophageal reflux is infrequently a sole cause of isolated cough in children and wheezy bronchitis and protracted bacterial bronchitis are currently seeing renewed interest as potential causes to consider for coughs in children.
Evaluation of therapy of nonspecific cough in children led to strong recommendations against the use of all previously commonly used medications, especially in children under five years of age - placebo is in fact showing to be both the safest and most effective option. This review covers the approach to cough in children, focusing on the most recent findings and everyday medical practice.