Cough in Children: Treatment, Cost and Side Effects

Cough in children is a very common problem. All children cough occasionally, however, recurring cough can be a problem as it may cause difficulty in breathing and lead to more complications if not treated at the right time. Recurrent coughing can either be mucousy or wet and even dry or barky. Recording the kind of cough your child is having can be helpful before visiting the doctor.

Recurring cough can either last for longer than four weeks which is known as chronic cough or for lesser than four weeks, known as acute cough. There are a number of reasons why your child may be suffering from this problem. Infection is one of the major reasons behind children suffering from the problem of coughing. Croup, sinus infection and lower airway infections are some of the infections which may be affecting your child. Nasal allergies and other foreign bodies which do not pass from the back of the mouth to the esophagus can be another reason for this problem to arise.

A thorough medical examination and a comprehensive physical examination is required to understand the problem better. Sometimes, X rays and specialized testing may be required to comprehend and establish the reason behind childhood cough. The doctor may ask you about the intensity of the cough of your child and the characters of the cough. Chest X rays, pulmonary tests Allergy IQ tests and endoscopy and bronchoscopy can also be needed to establish the problem.

Your doctor may suggest using a cool mist humidifier which may be very helpful if the child needs treatment for laryngeal swelling. A single dose of anti-inflammatory medication like dexamesathone may also be prescribed. For cough problems due to bacterial infections, selected antibiotics may also respond well. For problems of wheezing inhaled medications or even a removal of any foreign body with the procedure of bronchoscopy may also be needed. Gerd on the other hand can be treated via thickening the formula for infants and with oral medications as well. Oral medications, however, can be taken only after examining the severity of the symptoms and the complications associated with the condition.

It is important to note that medications cannot cure cold. However, hard candies and cough drops can relieve a sore throat which is caused by coughing. Children below the age of 4 should only be given hard candies and cough drops. Honey based cough drops are strictly not to be given to children who are one year old or younger. Other steroids may also be needed with the prescription of the doctor. Cough medicines should only be given to children above the age of four.

Any child who shows symptoms of breathing problems and keeps coughing every now and then is eligible for the treatment. If the problem continues for more than four weeks then your child may have a problem of chronic coughing as well.

Any child who does not show symptoms of breathing problems or other related conditions while coughing is not eligible for the treatment and thereby does not have to undergo any treatment.

Certain medications used to cure the problem of coughing can have side effects like dizziness, drowsiness, constipation and nausea, Side effects of expectorants are headaches and dizziness apart from nausea and diarrhea. There can be some serious life threatening side effects of overdosing some cough medications. Therefore, it not advised for children lesser or of 2 years to take cough medications.

Children are expected to get adequate rest. It is important for the child to complete the course of the medication prescribed by the doctor.

An acute case of cough goes away with or without medication within a period of four week. However, taking medication helps in reducing the duration of the condition. However, in many cases the problem of coughing goes away in two weeks or less.

Good and reliable cough medicines may cost you anything around Rs 200-500. The consultation fee of the doctor varies from one to the other.

Cough can be easily cured with the right home remedies and medications. However, there is no guarantee that the condition may not recur. Having a coughing problem is common and most often than not, children have this problem for more than once throughout their life.

Drinking soup can be very helpful in providing relief to the child. Chicken soup especially, has anti inflammatory ingredients which help in treating the problem. Push liquids i.e. very warm or cold liquids help in thinning the mucus and in easily coughing it out. Liquids help in keeping the child hydrated and helps soothe the raw throat as well. Other alternatives include using honey can also be helpful. However, it is important to note that you can never give honey to a child who is lesser than a year old.