Managing acute cough in children: evidence-based guidelines.

This article examines the evidence-based guidelines for diagnosis and treatment of acute cough in children. Cough is a common symptom in children and a frequent reason for consultation in primary care. Generally, an acute cough is a self-limiting condition resulting from expected childhood viral illnesses. However, a child should be thoroughly evaluated to rule out a serious underlying condition or disease responsible for the cough. Parents are often concerned and anxious about their child's cough. The use of over-the-counter cough and cold medications is widespread and parents commonly request primary care providers to provide prescriptions to alleviate cough symptoms. The American College of Chest Physicians has recommended clinical practice guidelines based on the conclusion of systematic reviews. These reviews indicate that cough medications offer no symptomatic relief for acute cough in children, and the use of cough and cold medications is inappropriate in young children and also places young children at risk for potential side effects and adverse reactions. The management of acute cough in children is based on a "wait, watch, review" approach. Clinicians should educate parents on expected illness duration, the risks of using over-the-counter medications, and discuss safe, supportive care measures to alleviate the child's discomfort.