Expert opinion and clinical practice recommendations using a modified Delphi approach for pediatric acute cough evaluation and management in India - PubMed
5 hours ago
- #pediatric cough
- #clinical practice recommendations
- #India
- Cough is the most frequently managed pediatric issue in primary care in India.
- A modified Delphi method was used to reach consensus among eight experts on pediatric cough evaluation and management.
- History taking and clinical examination are recommended as the most accurate methods for determining the cause of a child's cough.
- Dry cough in children typically results from viral infections, allergies, or inhaled irritants.
- Wet cough suggests bronchitis, which can be viral, allergic, or bacterial.
- Sputum color is not a reliable indicator for differentiating bacterial and viral bronchitis.
- Multi-ingredient cough and cold medications often contain irrational formulations, increasing the risk of adverse events.
- Pediatric cough treatment should target specific symptoms with minimal ingredients.
- Bronchodilators are used for bronchospasm or wheezing; antihistamines should only be added for allergic symptoms.
- Cough expectorants help in specific situations with excess mucus.
- The consensus provides guidance for family physicians in diagnosing and managing cough in primary healthcare settings in India.