Everyone of all ages can have the common illness of coughing. But when it involves your child, it may be more worrying. Knowing what to do when your child has a cough can be challenging, so it's important to comprehend the causes and treatments of coughing in kids so that you can make an educated choice. The causes, signs, and treatments of children's coughing will be covered in this blog. We'll also talk about when to see a doctor, what treatments are available for kids' cough medicine, and home therapies.
What Leads to Children's Coughing?
Coughing is a typical sign of many pediatric diseases. A more severe, productive cough might range from a light, dry cough. Children's coughs frequently have the following causes:
- Viral illnesses like the flu, the common cold, or RSV.
- Bacterial diseases, such as bronchitis or whooping cough.
- Allergies to things like pollen or cat dander.
- Other respiratory irritants, such as cigarette smoke and asthma.
It's important to highlight that, without a medical diagnosis, it might be challenging to pinpoint the precise source of a child's cough. You should see a doctor if you believe your kid has a cough.
Differential Diagnosis of Children's Cough Medication
Differential diagnosis may change depending on the underlying reason for a child's cough. To identify the source of a child's cough, a doctor may do a physical examination, collect a medical history, and prescribe testing. A chest X-ray, blood testing, or throat swab are possible tests.
Clinicians may also request a sputum culture if they suspect a bacterial infection. This entails taking a sample of lung mucus and examining it for microorganisms. A pulmonary function test, which measures how much air a person can inhale and exhale, may also be prescribed by the doctor if they suspect asthma.
Children's Coughing Symptoms
Depending on the underlying reason, a cough in children can present with various symptoms. Typical signs of a cough include:
- Persistent coughing that is wet or dry.
- Coughing becomes worse with exertion or exercise.
- Breathing that makes whistling or wheezing noises.
- Chest discomfort, tightness, or shortness of breath.
- Coughing that has minimal to no mucous production.
- Coughing that results in thick, sticky mucous.
It's significant to remember that depending on the underlying reason, a cough's precise symptoms might change. Hence, you must see a doctor immediately if your child has a cough.
When to Take a Child with a Cough to the Doctor
If your kid has a cough that doesn't go away after two weeks or is accompanied by other symptoms like fever, breathing problems, chest discomfort, or wheezing, you should take them to the doctor. Moreover, if your kid has a productive cough that produces thick, gooey mucus, you should take them to the doctor.
Also, if your child's dry cough is accompanied by other symptoms like fever, sore throat, headache, or exhaustion, you should take them to the doctor. These signs may point to a bacterial or viral illness.
Children's Cough Treatment with Over-the-Counter Drugs
A child's cough can be treated with over-the-counter drugs. These drugs can ease symptoms, including dry or wet coughing, wheezing, or pressure in the chest. Among the over-the-counter medicines are:
- Cough suppressants such as diphenhydramine or dextromethorphan (Robitussin) (Benadryl).
- The use of expectorants like guaifenesin (Mucinex).
- e.g., pseudoephedrine, are decongestants (Sudafed).
It's vital to remember that a doctor's prescription is required to utilize these drugs. They may cause adverse effects, including sleepiness, an accelerated heartbeat, or restlessness.
Medicine for Children's Cough on Prescription
A doctor could occasionally recommend a drug to cure a child's cough. These drugs can ease symptoms, including dry or wet coughing, wheezing, or pressure in the chest. Typical prescription drugs used to treat a child's cough include:
- The use of bronchodilators like albuterol (Proventil).
- Cetirizine, among other antihistamines (Zyrtec).
- Beclomethasone is one example of a corticosteroid (Qvar).
It's vital to remember that a doctor's prescription is required to utilize these drugs. They may cause adverse effects, including sleepiness, an accelerated heartbeat, or restlessness.
Treatments for Children's Cough Naturally
There are non-prescription, over-the-counter, and natural therapies can ease a child's cough in addition to these drugs. Typical natural treatments include:
- Honey: Honey has a long history of usage as a cough treatment. It can ease inflammation and coat the throat.
- Gargle with salt water: Gargling with salt water might assist in lessening coughing and throat irritation.
- Inhaling steam: Inhaling steam can assist in thinning mucus and lowering coughing.
- It's crucial to remember that these treatments should only be used with a doctor's permission. They may cause allergic reactions or skin rashes as adverse effects.
Treatments at Home for Cough Medication
Home remedies can assist in easing a child's cough in addition to natural treatments. Commonly used home treatments are:
- Hot lemonade: A hot lemonade might aid in easing coughing and soothe a sore throat.
- Ginger drink: Ginger tea might assist in lessening coughing and throat irritation.
- Apple cider vinegar: Apple cider vinegar can reduce coughing and mucus production.
It's crucial to remember that these treatments should only be used with a doctor's permission. They may cause allergic reactions or skin rashes as adverse effects.
Adjustments in Food and Lifestyle that May Aid a Child's Cough
A child's cough can be treated with drugs, herbal therapies, food modifications, and lifestyle adjustments. Typical dietary and lifestyle modifications include:
- Avoiding triggers: If your child suffers from allergies or asthma, it's crucial to keep them away from things like pollen, dust mites, smoke, and pet dander.
- Consuming a balanced diet might assist in strengthening the immune system and lessen coughing.
- Water consumption: Water consumption might assist in thinning mucus and lessen coughing.
- Resting well: Obtaining enough sleep helps strengthen the immune system and lessen coughing.
Conclusion
Although coughing is a common illness that may affect anybody at any age, it can be especially problematic when it affects your child. Understanding the reasons behind children's coughing and how to address them can help you make an educated choice. The causes, signs, and treatments of children's coughing were covered in this blog. We also discussed when to visit the doctor, what treatments are available for kids' cough medicine, and natural therapies. It's critical to see a doctor for a diagnosis and treatment if your child develops a cough.
