Prevalence and Clinical Characteristics of Acute Cough in Indian Pediatric Population: Insights from Real-World Study.

INTRODUCTION

Coughing is a common symptom in children, often leading to healthcare visits. It is primarily linked to acute viral respiratory tract infections but can also result from bacterial infections, allergies, and asthma. Pediatric cough differs from adult cough in etiology and management due to the anatomical and developmental changes in the respiratory tract during childhood. This study aims to evaluate the prevalence, clinical characteristics, and types of cough in the Indian pediatric population through a retrospective real-world study.

METHODS

Electronic medical records of pediatric patients presenting with cough was studied to understand the prevalence and clinical features of acute cough in children <18 years.

RESULTS

Out of the total 22,51,735 patients, it was found that 5,75,284 patients (25.55%) reporting cough symptoms were children, indicating 1/4th of the cohort was <18 years of age, which is a noteworthy proportion. Nonproductive cough (8.28%) was more prevalent than productive cough (4.55%). Additionally, nonspecific cough (87.17%), lacking identifiable causes, was more significant among children. A higher proportion (31.47%, 231,946) of pediatric patients consulted general physicians (GPs), for cough-related issues. Respiratory infection was the most frequently associated condition, followed by asthma and bronchitis. Fever and cold were common complaints in patients with both productive and nonproductive cough.

CONCLUSION

This study highlighted the significant burden of cough in children and underscored the importance of understanding its prevalence, categorization, and clinical characteristics for effective management.