Other than asthma, what would cause a child to develop a chronic cough every three to four months? For the past six years a now 13 year old male child has developed a loud, hacking cough every three to four months.  The cough persists for as long as a month.  Prescription and over the counter medicines quiet the cough somewhat, but it does not go away in response to the medication.  He is approximately 50 pounds overweight and it is possible that his mother was using illegal drugs during her pregnancy with him.  So far, doctors have not given a diagnosis.  They offer pre-asthma as a possibility.  The cough is loud and hard enough that his school does not want him in the classroom.  We need some answers!!

Summarized question: What would cause a child to develop a chronic cough every three to four months other than asthma?