National Asthma Educator Certification Board (NAECB) Practice Exam

What is the primary characteristic of asthma-based cough in children?

1. Dry and persistent

2. Seasonal and variable

3. Triggered by cold air

4. Occasional and mild

The correct answer is: Dry and persistent

The primary characteristic of asthma-based cough in children is typically a dry and persistent cough. Asthma coughs are often triggered by airway inflammation and hyperreactivity, leading to the presence of mucus and airway constriction that results in a non-productive type of coughing. This type of cough tends to worsen at night or after exercise, aligning with the chronic nature of asthma, which differs from coughs associated with acute infections. While some may consider that the cough could also be "seasonal and variable" due to allergic triggers, a defining aspect of asthma is its persistent nature regardless of season or specific conditions. Additionally, although cold air can trigger asthma symptoms in some individuals, it is not a defining characteristic of the asthma cough itself. Occasional and mild coughing would not capture the consistent and troubling nature of coughing in a child with asthma. Therefore, the dry and persistent cough is the most accurate representation of this symptom in asthmatic children.