Paediatric Pearl: Cough! Could It Have Been the Ear? 👂🩺

Cough is one of the most common symptoms we see in children… but every so often, a case reminds us to think outside the usual respiratory box.

Todays paediatric pearl focuses on an important (and easily overlooked) trigger: the ear.

Children with otitis media, effusion, or even mild middle-ear inflammation can present primarily with persistent cough, thanks to the shared sensory pathways of the vagus nerve. In some cases, the cough resolves only when the underlying ear issue is treated.

It’s a great reminder that:

Not all coughs are respiratory in origin

A quick otoscopic check can change your entire management plan

Holistic assessment remains key in paediatrics

A simple ear exam might just be the missing piece of the puzzle.

Have you come across a “respiratory” complaint that turned out to be something entirely different? Share your experiences below!

3 comments