Indoor air modification interventions for prolonged non-specific cough in children

Donnelly D, Everard M, Chang AB

Published Online:

April 15, 2009

Prolonged, non-specific cough is common in childhood and is treated with a variety of therapies. There is a growing market for non-pharmacological treatments and these include air-modification modalities, (ionisers, vaporisers, humidifiers, air filters and regular vacuuming). No randomised controlled trials examining the efficacy of air-modulation modalities in the management of prolonged, non-specific cough in children were found. Therefore, based on the evidence currently available, a recommendation for these treatments cannot be given. Due to the popularity of air-modulation modalities, randomised controlled trials in this area are clearly needed.

Abstract (click to read)

Background:

Non-specific cough has been defined as non-productive cough in the absence of identifiable respiratory disease or known aetiology and is common in childhood. These children are treated with a variety of therapies, including non-pharmacological treatments. There is a wide variety and a growing market for these non-pharmacological treatments that include air-modification modalities.

Objectives:

To determine the efficacy of air-modification modalities, (ionisers, vaporisers, humidifiers, air filters, regular vacuuming), in treating children with non-specific cough.

Search strategy:

The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE, OLDMEDLINE and EMBASE databases were searched by the Cochrane Airways Group. The latest searches were performed in November 2008.

Selection criteria:

All randomised controlled trials comparing air-modification modalities with a placebo treatment, for any duration.

Data collection and analysis:

Results of searches were reviewed against pre-determined criteria for inclusion. Five papers were considered for inclusion but no eligible trials were identified and thus no data was available for analysis.

Main results:

No randomised controlled trials that examined the efficacy of air-modification modalities in the management of prolonged, non-specific cough in children were found.

Authors' conclusions:

Based on the evidence currently available, a recommendation can not be given for air-modification interventions in the treatment of prolonged, non-specific cough in children.

This record should be cited as:

Donnelly D, Everard M, Chang AB. Indoor air modification interventions for prolonged non-specific cough in children. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2006, Issue 3. Art. No.: CD005075. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD005075.pub2

Assessed as up to date:

January 21, 2009

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Primary Review Group:

Airways Group

Health topics:

Lungs & airways > Chronic cough

Cochrane Summaries^beta

Independent high-quality evidence for health care decision making

Indoor air modification interventions for prolonged non-specific cough in children

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