In children with prolonged cough, does treatment with antibiotics have a better effect on cough resolution than no treatment? Part B: Clinical commentary

Prolonged cough in children refers to a persistent cough lasting for more than three to four weeks that is not associated with a known underlying respiratory disease, such as cystic fibrosis or asthma (1,2). Prolonged or chronic cough causes distress to parents, and affects the quality of life of parents and children (3,4); while cough may be seen as a common condition of childhood without serious consequences, ignoring a cough that may be the sole presenting symptom of an underlying respiratory illness can lead to delayed diagnosis and progression of a serious illness or chronic respiratory morbidity, such as bronchiectasis (5,6). It is, therefore, important that a thorough diagnostic approach be taken