A mysterious cause of chronic cough. Issue 3 (September 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Fereos, George; Buchanan, Charles; Allen, Pamela; Inusa, Baba; Bossley, Cara J.
• Is Part Of: Breathe. Volume 16:Issue 3(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-09
• Subjects: Respiratory organs -- Diseases; Respiratory organs -- Diseases -- Treatment; Periodicals; 616.2005
• DOI: 10.1183/20734735.0163-2020
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1810-6838

Abstract

A 15-year-old-girl of African descent with sickle cell anaemia (HbSS) presented with an 18-month history of gradually worsening productive cough. She had a history of a previous pneumonia, acute chest crises and two episodes of acute pancreatitis. She was on regular blood transfusions. She underwent a splenectomy in December 2013. There was no documented history of hypercalcaemia. She had no history of fevers or tuberculosis (TB) contacts. This case alerts professionals to take a broad approach when considering childhood chronic cough in sickle cell disease. Certain respiratory conditions are difficult to recognise in childhood, with many children suffering from delayed diagnosis. https://bit.ly/2GZAgmE