Guidelines to aid the medical practitioners in the evaluation and management of children with chronic cough. These guidelines include children less than/equal to 14 years of age with chronic cough (> 4 weeks duration). The guidelines are listed as follows-

31. For patients with cough in high TB prevalence countries or settings, we suggest

(a) that they be screened for TB regardless of cough duration (Grade 2C) and

(b) the addition of active case finding to passive case finding because it may improve outcomes in patients with pulmonary TB (Ungraded Consensus-Based Statement).

32. For patients with cough and at risk of pulmonary TB but at low risk of drug-resistant TB living in high TB prevalence countries, we suggest that XpertMTB/ RIF testing, when available, replace sputum microscopy for initial diagnostic testing, but CXRs should also be done on pulmonary TB suspects when feasible and where resources allow (Ungraded Consensus-Based Statement).
33. For patients with cough suspected to have pulmonary TB and at high risk of drug-resistant TB, we suggest that XpertMTB/RIF assay, where available, replace sputum microscopy but sputum mycobacterial cultures, drug susceptibility testing and CXRs should be performed when feasible and where resources allow (Ungraded Consensus-Based Statement).
34. For patients with cough with or without fever, night sweats, hemoptysis, and/or weight loss, and who are at risk of pulmonary TB in high TB prevalence countries, we suggest that they should have a CXR if resources allow (Ungraded Consensus-Based Statement).
35. For children aged ≤14 years with chronic cough and suspected of having OSA, we suggest that they are managed in accordance with sleep guidelines (Ungraded Consensus-Based Statement).
36. For children aged  ≤ 14 years with non-specific cough, we suggest that if the cough does not resolve within 2 to 4 weeks, the child should be re-evaluated for the emergence of specific etiological pointers. (Ungraded Consensus-based Statement).
37. For children aged  ≤ 14 years with non-specific cough, we suggest when risk factors for asthma are present, a short (2-4 weeks) trial of 400 mg/day of beclomethasone equivalent may be warranted, and these children should always be re-evaluated in 2 to 4 weeks (Ungraded Consensus-based Statement).
38. For children with acute cough, we suggest that the use of over the counter cough and cold medicines should not be prescribed until they have been shown to make cough less severe or resolve sooner (Ungraded Consensus-Based Statement).
39. For children with acute cough, we suggest that honey may offer more relief for cough symptoms than no treatment, diphenhydramine, or placebo, but it is not better than dextromethorphan (Ungraded Consensus-Based Statement).
40. For children with acute cough, we suggest avoiding using codeine-containing medications because of the potential for serious side effects including respiratory distress (Ungraded Consensus Based Statement).

Source: Chang, AB, Oppenheimer, JJ, Irwin, RS. Managing Chronic Cough as a Symptom in Children and Management Algorithms CHEST Guideline and Expert Panel Report, CHEST 2020; 158(1):303-329.