Name two non-infectious causes of chronic cough in children.

Name two non-infectious causes of chronic cough in children.

• A. Pneumonia and bronchiolitis
• B. Asthma and cystic fibrosis
• C. Pertussis and TB
• D. Acute bronchitis and viral URI

Answer: (B)

Chronic cough in children is best approached by considering conditions that persist or recur due to underlying disease processes rather than acute infections. The two non-infectious causes most classically linked to a chronic cough are asthma and cystic fibrosis. Asthma involves airway inflammation and hyperreactivity, so coughing can be a dominant or even sole symptom, often worse at night or with exercise, and may be triggered by allergens or irritants. Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disorder that leads to thick, viscous mucus and recurrent chest infections, resulting in a long-standing productive cough and sputum production. In contrast, the other options are primarily infectious or acutely presenting conditions (pneumonia, bronchiolitis, pertussis, TB, acute bronchitis, viral upper respiratory infections), which typically resolve or change course with treatment or over a shorter period. Thus, asthma and cystic fibrosis fit the pattern of non-infectious, chronic cough in children.

Chronic cough in children is best approached by considering conditions that persist or recur due to underlying disease processes rather than acute infections. The two non-infectious causes most classically linked to a chronic cough are asthma and cystic fibrosis.

Asthma involves airway inflammation and hyperreactivity, so coughing can be a dominant or even sole symptom, often worse at night or with exercise, and may be triggered by allergens or irritants. Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disorder that leads to thick, viscous mucus and recurrent chest infections, resulting in a long-standing productive cough and sputum production.

In contrast, the other options are primarily infectious or acutely presenting conditions (pneumonia, bronchiolitis, pertussis, TB, acute bronchitis, viral upper respiratory infections), which typically resolve or change course with treatment or over a shorter period. Thus, asthma and cystic fibrosis fit the pattern of non-infectious, chronic cough in children.