LPR X HABIT COUGH

 A

Here’s a pediatric wisdom pearl on LPR causing habit cough, . I'll include:
✅ Key points on LPR & habit cough
✅ A simple diagnostic approach
✅ Treatment strategies

Pediatric Wisdom Pearl: Laryngopharyngeal Reflux (LPR) & Habit Cough

🔹 LPR Overview

• Reflux of gastric contents into the larynx & pharynx

• Common in children with GERD, but can occur without heartburn

• Symptoms: Chronic throat clearing, hoarseness, dry cough, globus sensation

🔹 Link to Habit Cough

• Chronic throat irritation from LPR can trigger a persistent cough

• Over time, the cough becomes a learned response (habit cough)

• Key Features of Habit Cough:

  • Dry, barking, or honking cough

  • Absent during sleep

  • No response to typical cough treatments

  • Often resolves with distraction or suggestion therapy

🔹 Diagnostic Clues

• Clinical history & symptom pattern

• 24-hour pH monitoring or impedance testing (if needed)

• Consider trial of reflux treatment if suspicion is high

🔹 Management Approach ✅ LPR Management

• Acid suppression (PPI or H2 blocker trial)

• Alginate therapy

• Lifestyle changes (elevating head, avoiding acidic/spicy foods, no late-night meals) ✅ Behavioral Therapy for Habit Cough

• Suggestion therapy (e.g., "Your cough will stop now")

• Distraction techniques (breathing exercises, chewing gum, hydration)

• Speech therapy in refractory cases ✅ Supportive Care

• Humidification, hydration, throat lozenges

• Reassurance to family—habit cough is benign and reversible

📌 Take-Home Message: LPR-induced cough can evolve into a habit cough. A combined approach of reflux management and behavioral therapy leads to resolution! 💡