Abstract

CHRONIC COUGH IN CHILDREN

Dr. Aniruddha Patil*, Dr. Sandip Baliram Daberao and Dr. Anil B. Kale

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Abstract

Chronic cough is defined as a persistent and unremitting cough lasting more than four weeks. Due to the immature immunological response, infection is the main cause for cough in infancy. In general, children are more vulnerable to environmental factors. Cough may be the first symptom of many diseases or conditions affecting the respiratory tract, a cough can represent more than a defense mechanism. Through its persistence, it becomes a helpful indicator of potential disease conditions. Almost all diseases of the respiratory tract, and some cases of the extra-respiratory tract, can cause chronic cough. Cough reflex is a complex and precisely timed neuromuscular phenomenon that involves the diaphragm chest wall muscles, cervical muscles, abdominal muscles, laryngeal abductor and adductor muscles, and both medullary and cortical brain regions. Ayurveda explains the stage of Balyawastha or the childhood as stage of immaturity in structural, functional, emotional, and linguistic and behaviour and sexual facets with predominance of the Kapha Dosha.

Keywords: Chronic Cough, Children, Kasa, Vatanulomana.