Causes and Treatment of Cough in Children

Cough in children can be a sign of respiratory disease. Cough, which is one of the main reasons for doctor visits, can negatively affect the quality of life of the child. However, cough in children does not always indicate a serious problem. Sputum can be a defense mechanism of the body against infection and foreign substances.

Although it can be due to many reasons, one of the main causes of cough in children is viruses. Considering that children of school and kindergarten age experience 6 to 12 different viral infections in a year, it can be understood that viruses cause cough. Because of the viral infection, the child may cough several times a day or experience the cough for several weeks. However, since cough lasting longer than 2-3 weeks will be a sign of a serious condition, a doctor's opinion should be sought. In this case of long-lasting cough, reflux, asthma, allergic rhinitis and other causes should be examined in detail.

Types of Cough in Children

Types of cough in children can be listed as follows:

• Cough with phlegm
• Whooping cough
• Wheezing cough
• Dry cough
• Psychogenic cough

Causes of Cough in Children

Cough in children is usually caused by viruses. A throat infection can also trigger coughing. In this type of cough, complaints such as high fever, stinging sensation in the throat and weakness are seen in the child. However, cough can also be a reaction presenting as a defense mechanism against conditions such as foreign body ingestion, discharge, sputum and inflammation of the respiratory tract.

However, the causes of persistent cough in children can also be caused by more serious respiratory diseases such as colds, throat infections, flu, nasal congestion, croup, ear infections, asthma, bronchitis and pneumonia.

Cough Symptom to Be Considered in Children

Cough can be a symptom of an underlying condition. Symptoms requiring further evaluation in children are as follows:

• High fever
• Tiredness
• Pain in the chest
• Rapid breathing
• Wheezing sound when exhaling
• Change of lip color
• Coughing blood

Cough Treatment in Children

Treatment of cough in children is determined after a detailed examination. Although there are various products to alleviate and reduce cough, herbal products should be used only with the advice of a doctor. In addition, cough can be controlled by rinsing the nose with physiological saline, drinking plenty of water and breathing cold air. If the cough is due to irritation, throat spray and lozenges can be used with the doctor's recommendation.

What helps Cough In Children?

There are different answers to the question. If the child has an allergic cough, things to do are different. When determining the condition that causes the child to cough, factors such as the time of cough, its type, how it started, and accompanying complaints are evaluated. If the child is experiencing an allergic reaction, the treatment methods may differ. If there is a persistent sputum, expectorant drug therapy may be initiated by a doctor.

What Causes Dry Cough at Night?

“What causes a dry cough at night?” The question is one of the frequently asked questions. Dry cough is usually caused by irritation and may be due to the common cold viruses. Upper respiratory tract infections such as sinusitis, tonsillitis, and laryngitis can cause a dry cough, which may become worse at night. “What is good for a coughing attack at night?” If you are wondering, you should take your child to a doctor's examination as soon as possible.

What Stops Cough in Children?

• The fastest cough suppressant is one of the topics researched by parents. Although cough syrup is used for children in general, parents looking for a more natural way get help from warm water. This form of treatment is valid for children who are in good general condition and do not have fever and breathing problems. For these children, drinking plenty of water and fluids will help soften the throat and relax the child.
• In addition, if the child has nasal congestion, physiological saline or sea water can be used.
• Water vapor method can be used for coughs other than allergies and in case of upper respiratory tract infection.
• In addition, the humidity of the environment should be adjusted well and a cold steam machine should be used.
• If there is a cough in babies younger than 6 months, the process should be followed carefully and the child should be taken to the doctor.

When to See a Doctor

If you observe the following symptoms in your child, you should definitely consult a doctor.

If the cough experienced by the child has been going on for more than 2-3 weeks, if the severity of the cough is increasing day by day, if the cough has begun to negatively affect the child's routine life, if bloody sputum is seen with the cough, if the cough has developed in a child younger than 3 months, if the child has bruising with coughing, a doctor must be consulted.