Md. Saifuddin Khaled, Mohammed Shahidullah2, Firoza Akter

Abstract:
Cough is a forced expulsive maneuver, usually against a closed glottis and is
associated with a characteristic sound. It is a critical reflex action designed to
promote clearing the airways of secretion, protects the airway from foreign body
aspiration and can be the manifesting symptom of a disease. Cough is one of the
most common complaints for which parents bring their children to a health care
practitioner. Although we have some understanding about the cough reflex
through animal studies, the exact mechanism has not yet been completely
elucidated. Pediatric cough can be classified in different ways with overlapping
categories and a number of etiologies are there. Careful history taking and physical
examination together with appropriate investigations, the correct diagnosis can
be made in most cases within a reasonable time frame. The current review provides
essential informations to approach and manage this common childhood problem.
Key words: bronchial asthma, Childhood, Diagnosis, Management.

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