Which department should I see for a child with a lingering cough and runny nose?

2026-09-16 · Neutral information that names no hospital, doctor or region. No rankings, recommendations or reviews.

Which department

1. 1Pediatrics(소아청소년과)
   Pediatricians specialize in diagnosing and managing illnesses in infants, children, and adolescents, including the wide variety of respiratory conditions — such as viral upper respiratory infections, bronchitis, and asthma — that commonly cause prolonged cough and runny nose in children. — First / second line: A pediatric clinic(소아청소년과 의원) is generally the appropriate first stop for most children with these symptoms. If symptoms are severe, prolonged, or unresponsive to initial care, the clinician may refer the child to a hospital-level pediatrics department or another specialty.
2. 2Otorhinolaryngology(이비인후과)
   When the runny nose and cough appear closely tied to nasal, sinus, or throat pathology — such as chronic rhinitis, sinusitis, or adenoid issues — an ENT specialist evaluates the upper airway structures in detail, often using direct visualization tools. — First / second line: A child may be seen here as a first visit if nasal symptoms clearly dominate, or may be referred here from Pediatrics when a more focused upper-airway assessment is needed.
3. 3Pulmonology(호흡기내과) / Pediatric Pulmonology
   If the cough is the main concern and there is suspicion of lower respiratory involvement — such as recurrent wheezing or possible asthma — a pulmonology specialist may be consulted to assess airway function more thoroughly. — First / second line: This department is generally reached via referral from Pediatrics rather than as a first visit, and is more commonly accessed at a hospital(병원) or tertiary center rather than a local clinic.
4. 4Allergy & Immunology(알레르기내과 / 소아알레르기)
   When a lingering cough and runny nose are suspected to have an allergic basis — for example, allergic rhinitis or cough-variant asthma — an allergy specialist can evaluate sensitivities and underlying immune patterns. — First / second line: Like pulmonology, this specialty is typically reached through a referral after initial evaluation in Pediatrics, particularly when symptoms are recurrent or seasonally patterned.

Go to the ER / call 119 if

Before your visit

• Note exactly when the cough and runny nose started and whether symptoms have been continuous or come and go.
• Observe and be ready to describe the type of cough — dry, wet, barking, or occurring mainly at night or after activity.
• Record any other symptoms that appeared around the same time, such as fever, ear pain, eye discharge, vomiting, or rash.
• Bring a list of any medications or supplements the child is currently taking, including over-the-counter products.
• Note whether other family members or classmates have had similar symptoms recently, which helps the doctor assess infectious versus allergic causes.
• If the child has had previous similar episodes or any known allergies or respiratory diagnoses, bring relevant prior records or test results.

General principles

Persistent cough and runny nose in children most commonly arise from upper respiratory tract infections, which are among the most frequent reasons children visit Pediatrics(소아청소년과). Because children's immune and airway systems are still developing, these symptoms can linger longer than in adults, and a pediatrician is trained to distinguish between the many possible causes — viral, bacterial, allergic, or structural — and to decide when further specialist input is needed.

In the Korean healthcare system, the general principle is to start at a local clinic(의원) for non-emergency symptoms, and the clinician there can issue a referral letter(진료의뢰서) if a hospital-level specialist is required. This stepped approach applies to childhood respiratory symptoms as well — most cases are managed at the primary care level, with secondary or tertiary referrals reserved for complex or treatment-resistant situations, and national health insurance(건강보험) generally covers consultations at each level under standard conditions.

When a doctor evaluates a child with a prolonged cough and runny nose, the assessment typically involves a detailed history of symptom timing, pattern, and associated factors, followed by a physical examination of the throat, ears, nose, and chest. General principles of further workup — such as imaging or allergy testing — are guided by what the history and examination suggest, and the decision to pursue any specific investigation rests entirely with the attending physician.

FAQ

Related questions

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Find a clinic (external directories)

External directories for finding a clinic by region once you know the department (public data, no rankings or recommendations).

• Hospital directory by region (koreahospital.org)