Definition
Cough lasting 14 days or more
Clinical features
General signs include
- Fever
- Poor weight gain
- Weight loss.
Other features depend on the specific cause.
The following conditions are associated with chronic cough
- Tuberculosis
- Asthma
- Foreign body aspiration, usually children under 5 years: Parents may not remember history of choking. Unilateral wheeze, or pneumonia with poor response to antibiotics suggests diagnosis.
- HIV infection: In addition, these children have chronic chest signs with clubbing of fingers and toes but usually no cyanosis.
- Bronchiectasis: Purulent sputum, bad breath, finger clubbing.
- Lung abscess: Reduced breath sounds over affected part.
- Heart disease: Either due to congestive failure or recurrent pneumonias.
Investigations
- HIV test
- Mantoux test
- Chest x-ray
Management
Management is specific to the underlying disease. Refer/consult as needed.