To help your little one you need to, recognise the type of cough. In this article, we will look at the different types of cough in children, their characteristics and what actions can bring relief. Recognising the type of cough is crucial for proper diagnosis and effective treatment. Symptoms and treatment of cough can vary depending on the age of the child. It is worth emphasising from the outset that home remedies for dealing with cough in children are not a substitute for professional medical care. If the symptoms persist over a long period of time or get worse, for your child's sake, consult a doctor to make an accurate diagnosis and recommend treatment.
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A cough is the body's natural defence reflex that helps to free the airways from mucus or foreign bodies. However, in a child, it can signify various illnesses. It is therefore important for parents to know what to give their child for a cough and how to respond correctly.
To begin with, the child needs to be given plenty of fluids. The warm liquid will soothe the irritation in the throat. If the child does not want to drink, give a few teaspoons of warm drink every now and then. Good ventilation of the room is important for hygiene. Make sure there is fresh air in the baby's room. You can also turn on a humidifier to help relieve a dry cough. Don't smoke! Cigarette smoke irritates the delicate nasal mucosa, and irritation can cause coughing attacks. Also, try to reassure your child and cuddle. Crying and anxiety aggravate coughing in toddlers. The semi-recumbent position helps, especially at night. Home remedies, i.e. saline inhalations or hot steamers with a few drops of eucalyptus oil (for older children) will help. If the cough lasts longer than a week, is varied, is accompanied by a high fever, shortness of breath, swelling of the lips or skin, consult your paediatrician as soon as possible, because a child's cough should always be consulted by a doctor. There are non-prescription medicines available on the market that can be given, but before giving anything to your child, check the expiry date, carefully read the accompanying leaflet and, if you are not sure, consult your pharmacist, especially if your child is already taking other medicines. Under no circumstances give your child an adult medicine. Take care of hygiene. Frequent hand washing helps to prevent further infections. Change your child's pyjamas as soon as he or she sweats. Wash the bedding of the whole family and boil it, and all the cloths in the kitchen too, to reduce the possibility of spreading germs.
Coughing is a defence mechanism of the body to remove foreign bodies from the child's body, pathogens or secretions from the upper respiratory tract. In children, several types of cough can be distinguished, which differ, in terms of sound and characteristic symptoms.
● Dry cough. This is a cough without secretion, of a rough and irritating nature. It can occur with irritation, allergies, at the onset of a viral illness, irritation of the upper respiratory tract and in various upper respiratory tract diseases.
● Wet cough. Accompanied by secretions, or phlegm. Typical of bacterial symptoms, bronchial or lower respiratory tract diseases.
● Barking cough, or laryngeal cough. This is a deep, dry cough resembling the barking of a dog. It is typical of laryngitis, which is the most common viral infection in children.
● Suffocating cough. Causes difficulty breathing or dyspnoea. Can be a symptom of asthma, allergies, bronchitis or even the presence of foreign bodies in the airways of children.
● Nocturnal cough. Occurs mainly at night, which may be a symptom of asthma, gastro-oesophageal reflux or other infections.
● Chronic cough. Lasts longer than 3 weeks and may be due to the presence of asthma, allergies, chronic airway inflammation or gastro-oesophageal reflux.
● Choking cough. Sudden attacks of choking cough. Typical of diseases such as whooping cough or viral infections. This is a condition that requires immediate medical intervention.
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Such coughing is a cause of concern for parents and a cause of discomfort and sleep disturbance for the child. Coughing at night can cause respiratory infections.
If the cough is severe, chronic or there are other symptoms, it is necessary to consult a doctor.
If your child suffers from a persistent cough that does not go away after a few days or is accompanied by other symptoms such as:
Don't delay, just go to the doctor with your child! Many factors can trigger a cough, including allergies or asthma, and diagnosis is key so that the right treatment can be given and the little one is no longer in discomfort. It is not always easy to determine the cause of a child's cough, so it is best to consult a paediatrician. The doctor will carry out an examination, make a diagnosis and suggest what steps should be taken to relieve your child. Remember that your child's health is the most important thing. In the case of a persistent cough, do not delay visiting the doctor. If you do not have access to inpatient care, an e-visit can be a good option. An online paediatrician is quick and just as effective as a visit to a stationary surgery. An additional advantage is that you don't have to stand in tiresome queues at the clinic. If you have a persistent cough in your child, book an e-visit with your paediatrician.
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