Recurrent Cough in a Child

• Cough that returns every few weeks
• Night-time cough
• Cough with running or play
• Wet cough that persists
• Cough with wheeze
• Cough linked to feeding
• Poor growth or repeated chest infection

Young children can have frequent infections, but a cough that is prolonged, repeatedly wet, associated with wheeze or affecting daily life deserves a structured review rather than repeated empirical treatment alone.

• Cough lasts several weeks
• It repeatedly disturbs sleep
• There is wheeze, breathlessness or exercise limitation
• Antibiotics or nebulisation are repeatedly required
• The child has poor growth or recurring pneumonia

• Timing, sound, wet or dry pattern and triggers
• Respiratory and growth examination
• Review of prior medicines and response
• Selective imaging, lung testing or allergy evaluation

• Record when the cough occurs
• Bring videos or audio when safe
• Bring inhalers and previous prescriptions
• Note smoke, pollution, pet and dust exposure