By Elizabeth Jaffe, MD

Chronic cough is a common symptom of patients often seen in primary care offices. Many factors, including postnasal drip, allergic rhinitis, acid refl ux disorder or asthma, can cause chronic cough. In any of these disorders, cough may be the only symptom.

The prevalence of childhood asthma has risen significantly and is one of the most common chronic diseases of childhood. Many children are thought to have hidden or undiagnosed asthma.

A family history of allergies, eczema or asthma is associated with an increased likelihood of developing asthma. Environmental triggers such as tobacco smoke, dust mites, pet dander, pollen or exercise may increase significantly the severity of daily asthma symptoms and the frequency of acute incidents. Sometimes allergy testing is necessary to determine your child's triggers.

Your doctor will help you to determine if your child's cough may be due to asthma by using lung-capacity testing and possibly a trial of inhaled medications. Although asthma cannot be cured, it almost always can be controlled.

The goal of asthma therapy is to control symptoms, optimize lung function and minimize days lost from school -- or summer activities. Always remember to bring your child's asthma medications when you're away from home, even if you don't think it will be for a long time. Many children with asthma end up in emergency rooms without medications when their families are caught away from home for an unexpected length of time.

Elizabeth Jaffe, MD

For a healthier, happier tomorrow, always ask your doctor about any concerns you may have concerning your child.

Be sure to visit the Back-to-School Family Health Fair.

Elizabeth Jaffe, MD, is a family practitioner with Silver State Family Physicians located in Vista Medical Terrace, Suite 215, 2345 E. Prater Way, Sparks (up the hill from Northern Nevada Medical Center).

The practice's Spanish Springs office will open on Los Altos Parkway in early 2007. Please call 356-1818 for an appointment or more information.

Northern Nevada Medical Center 2375 E. Prater Way, Sparks, NV 89434 775-331-7000