{
  "abstract": "Protracted bacterial bronchitis (PBB) is a frequent yet often underdiagnosed cause of chronic wet cough in young children, commonly mistaken for asthma or other respiratory conditions. It is characterised by a cough lasting more than 4 weeks that typically improves with an extended 4–6 week course of appropriate antibiotics, guided by allergy status and microbiological culture results where available, with co-amoxiclav being the usual first choice. PBB can progress to bronchiectasis if left untreated, with significant long-term implications for lung health. Early recognition is therefore crucial. This article outlines a practical approach to diagnosing PBB, emphasising the need to exclude other causes of persistent cough, obtain appropriate imaging and microbiological samples and consider specialist referral for non-responders to prolonged antibiotics or in recurrent cases. By promptly identifying and treating PBB, clinicians can reduce the risk of disease progression and improve long-term outcomes for paediatric patients.",
  "authors": [
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Department of Child Health, Salisbury District Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Salisbury, UK"
      ],
      "name": "Anne McGough"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK",
        "Paediatric Respiratory Medicine, Great North Children’s Hospital, Newcastle Upon Tyne, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK"
      ],
      "name": "Malcolm Brodlie"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Department of Child Health, Salisbury District Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Salisbury, UK"
      ],
      "name": "Sebastian Jason Gray"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Paediatric Respiratory Medicine, Southampton Children’s Hospital, Southampton, UK"
      ],
      "name": "Julian P Legg"
    }
  ],
  "title": "Fifteen-minute consultation: Diagnosing and managing protracted bacterial bronchitis in children and young people",
  "uid": "55890596-a05e-52cb-a364-370ba40f4821"
}