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Chronic Cough — RACP Paediatrics MCQ

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ModerateRespiratoryChronic CoughRACP Paediatrics

A 13-year-old girl presents with a persistent dry cough for 6 weeks. She has no wheeze, no atopy, normal spirometry, and a normal chest X-ray. She recently started oral contraceptive pill. She has no postnasal drip. What is the most likely cause of her cough?

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Correct answer: E — Psychogenic/habit cough

A persistent dry cough in an adolescent with entirely normal investigations and no features of asthma, GORD or upper airway disease is most consistent with a somatic (habit/psychogenic) cough. This type of cough is characteristically absent during sleep. It is a diagnosis of exclusion but is common in this age group. Pertussis should be considered if immunisation is incomplete.

Reference: Thoracic Society of Australia and New Zealand – 2024 – Position Statement on Chronic Cough in Children