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Chronic Cough

Coughing is an important reflex that helps to keep the airways clear from mucus or phlegm and to remove foreign particles such as dust. Cough is often a common symptom of viral respiratory infections or the common cold, and will usually go away on its own. However, sometimes a cough does not go away. When a cough becomes chronic, this should be investigated with a GP as it may be a symptom of an underlying medical condition.

Chronic cough in children

A cough that lasts longer than four weeks is considered a chronic cough in children and should be investigated with a GP.

The most common causes for chronic cough in children often depend on the child’s age.

A chronic cough may occur with other signs or symptoms. The way a cough sounds may indicate the underlying condition. It may sound wet or dry.

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Chronic wet cough

A wet cough means that there is excessive mucus in the airways. The most common cause of chronic wet cough in children is Protracted Bacterial Bronchitis (PBB). This is when there is a bacterial infection in the lungs causing excess mucus and cough.

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Chronic dry cough

A dry cough is typically due to irritation and inflammation in the airways. If a cough is due to a virus, antibiotics are usually not needed and will not help the cough.

Parents have a key role in advocating for their child.
Parents and carers can support accurate diagnosis by discussing details of their child’s medical history, features of their child’s cough and any other related symptoms with their child’s GP. Asking questions about the treatment and management plan for your child’s cough throughout the diagnosis process will keep you informed and empower you to advocate for your child.
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Chronic cough in adults

A cough that lasts longer than eight weeks is considered a chronic cough in adults and should be investigated with a GP.

It is estimated that approximately 10% of adults experience chronic cough globally.[1]

It is more common in smokers or those with a history of smoking, people aged over 65 and women.

Chronic cough may be a sign of an underlying medical condition. It may be due to upper, middle or lower airway diseases or a condition unrelated to the lungs.

Seek advice from your GP before taking over-the-counter cough medication or suppressants. This will only treat the cough and not the underlying cause. Long-term use of cough medication or suppressants may be addictive and harmful to your health.
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Chronic wet cough in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children

Chronic wet cough disproportionately affects Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and is often normalised by both families and doctors. A chronic wet cough, if left untreated, can lead to chronic lung sickness.
It is important to take your child to the clinic if they have had a cough for more than four weeks. They could have an infection in their lungs and might need antibiotics.

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For health professionals

Chronic cough is one of the most common symptoms for seeking medical care. It may significantly affect quality of life for patients and can indicate underlying disease.
It is important to recognise that a persistent cough is not normal and should be investigated.
Assessment of chronic cough should be undertaken differently for children and adults requiring a focused history of the chronic cough to elicit any “red flag” cough pointers that may indicate an underlying disease.

Adults

Diagnosis and assessment of chronic cough in adults – clinical algorithm: View now

Children

Diagnosis and assessment of chronic cough in children – clinical algorithm : View now

Lung health in First Nations children accredited training

Chronic respiratory disease is prevalent amongst Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, particularly protracted bacterial bronchitis and bronchiectasis which typically present with chronic wet cough.

Targeted education for health professionals working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families in providing culturally secure care and the importance of chronic wet cough in children is essential. Our free accredited training focuses on First Nations pediatric lung health and the skills required to effectively engage with First Nations families. It provides the opportunity to learn about respiratory disease prevalent in First Nations children and ways of providing culturally secure care to address the respiratory health of children.

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Wet cough in First Nations children webinar
Timely detection and optimal management of children with wet cough is a key component of respiratory disease prevention. Get access to the webinar recording and hear from experts on the evidence of wet cough in First Nations children and applying culturally safe strategies in respiratory settings.
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Resources

Chronic Cough promotional pack
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[1] Song WJ, Chang YS, Faruqi S, Kim JY, Kang MG, Kim S, et al. The global epidemiology of chronic cough in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Eur Respir J. 2015;45(5):1479-81.