We often see children and adolescents with cough, typically one of the most prominent and bothersome symptoms of respiratory infections or allergies. Coughing is an important and beneficial reflex that our bodies need to clear secretions and to keep open our major airways during the course of a viral cold or upper respiratory infection, allergies or other problems that cause nasal drainage to drip down the throat. Severe or persistent cough can be associated with asthma, pneumonia, sinus infections, bronchiolitis, other significant problems. These issues should be evaluated by your health care provider.