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Habit cough — RACP Paediatrics MCQ

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HardRespiratoryHabit coughRACP Paediatrics

A 13-year-old has an eight-week disruptive cough with normal examination, spirometry and chest radiography. The cough is absent during sleep, but careful review identifies no tic history and the child reports a persistent throat sensation preceding each cough. Which approach is most appropriate?

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Correct answer: B — Assess for tic or somatic cough and use non-pharmacological cough suppression

Explanation lettering: D = shown as A · E = shown as B · B = shown as C · A = shown as D · C = shown as E

E is correct. With normal investigations and no red flags, a repetitive cough linked to a premonitory sensation warrants assessment for tic/somatic cough and speech- or psychology-supported suppression strategies. A isolated cough with normal spirometry does not establish asthma. B a dry pattern does not support bacterial bronchitis. C absence during sleep is supportive but not proof of fabrication. D invasive testing is unnecessary before focused multidisciplinary assessment.

Reference: RCH Melbourne, Cough: https://www.rch.org.au/clinicalguide/guideline_index/Cough/