Cough is considered to be the most common sign of respiratory disease. In almost every case, its appearance indicates an inflammatory process in the larynx, bronchi or trachea, where sensitive receptors that trigger the cough reflex are located. In fact, coughing in children activates the body's defenses, with its help the airways are cleaned of pathogenic microbes and sputum accumulated in them. In view of this, the appropriateness of treating cough is often unjustified.
Is it necessary to treat a child's cough?
Many experts believe that it is not necessary to block the protective mechanism of the body, which contributes to the speedy recovery of the child. In the case, as with a decrease in temperature, cough treatment is advisable only when it turns from a protective factor into a harmful one. Fortunately, such a cough in children is extremely rare, and therefore its treatment should be approached with a great deal of responsibility. In fact, cough treatment does not come down to completely getting rid of it, but to making it as effective as possible and contributing to the recovery of the child.
How to start a cough treatment in a child?
Most often, a cough reflex is manifested in children with various diseases of the upper respiratory tract - these are acute respiratory infections, bronchitis, allergies, but in some cases there may be other reasons for the appearance of cough. Before treating cough in children, it is necessary to establish its exact cause. The very first thing that needs to be done for a sick child is to provide him with complete peace and comfort. Good nutrition and heavy drinking are also considered an important aspect in the treatment of cough. Drinking plenty of fluids not only prevents dehydration at high temperatures, but also stimulates the withdrawal of sputum from the bronchi. Mineral water will be especially useful for the baby, it dilutes sputum and helps to remove it from the bronchi.
How to treat a cough in a child?
At the very beginning of the disease, the cough can be dry and very strong. This factor affects the sleep disturbance and calm of the baby, and also causes a gag reflex. Subsequently, the cough becomes wet, which means that sputum is released from the bronchi independently. A very strong cough in children with a vomiting reflex or with shortness of breath is a reason for immediately contacting a doctor, you will not be able to cope with it on your own. Manifestations of dry cough can be treated with medications, for example, “Codelac Fito” will reduce the seizures and reduce the vomiting reflex. After the cough becomes wet, it is necessary to give the child one of the expectorant or mucolytic agents, and it is best to give preference to a herbal preparation, for example, Doctor Mom.
How to treat cough with bronchitis?
The common cold is often complicated by bronchitis, as a result of this disease there is a strong night cough in children. Most often it is wet from the very first day of the disease. Mucolytic and expectorant drugs are indispensable in the treatment of bronchitis in newborn babies, and children after three years can be added to the treatment of inhalation. Often in the treatment of cough in children, plant and homeopathic syrups, herbal preparations, as well as lozenges and lozenges are used. A noticeable effect is provided by the herbal remedy for coughs "Gedellix", in the pharmaceutical market it is presented in the form of syrup and drops for children.
It is possible to treat cough in children at home until it poses a threat to the baby’s health. Do not forget that any disease is better cured at an early stage, and therefore it is better to play it safe and show the child to the doctor than to try to treat him at home. A prolonged cough in children is the basis for immediately contacting a pediatrician, because only an experienced specialist can establish the exact cause of the disease and prescribe the appropriate treatment.