OBJECTIVES: Cough represents the first reason of a viral infection of upper airways for consulting a general practitioner (GP) for pre-school children. Although it is a benign symptom, cough can have a significant impact on children’s and parent’s life. This research aimed to investigate the personal, familial and social impact of acute irritative or mixed cough in infant and children.

METHODS: A prospective, multicenter, observational study with a one week follow-up was conducted in children and infants suffering from common upper respiratory infections, consulting pediatricians or GPs in Poland. Impact of cough on children’s and parent’s sleep and on children’s scholastic and sport activities was assessed using the Paediatric Cough Questionnaire (PCQ). Parents’ satisfaction of cough management was evaluated using the Client Satisfaction Questionnaire (CSQ).

RESULTS: CONCLUSIONS: The study has shown that cough in infant and children has a heavy impact on patients and their parents life and has to be recognized as a major family burden.