Coughing is a symptom of many unpleasant pathologies. Also, this symptom can appear independently without any diseases. The cough remedy for a child up to a year should be selected exclusively by a doctor. The specialist assesses all concomitant symptoms and only after that gives his recommendations. Also, many parents use folk remedies for coughing a child up to a year. This option is recognized by doctors as safe, but not always effective, because in this case it is worth remembering about a possible allergy. This article will tell you about what cough remedy is for a child up to a year old.
Before starting treatment ...
If you heard a cough from your baby, then do not rush to run to the pharmacy for medicine. Before proceeding with the correction, it is worthwhile to understand the cause of the symptom and determine its nature.
Coughing is a contraction of the bronchi and lungs. It occurs reflexively. The reason for this may be physiology (a sharp change of cold air to warm) or pathology. The last type of cough (pathological) always requires treatment, unlike its predecessor. It is worth noting that a cough may be of a viral or bacterial origin, be a symptom of an allergic reaction, or occur as a result of a foreign body entering the respiratory tract. Also, by its nature, the symptom is dry and wet, productive and lingering.
Dry cough
If you hear that your baby’s bronchi and lungs are constantly contracting, but there is no sputum, then this is a dry form. The cough remedy for a child up to a year in this case can be of two types. Some drugs will help make the symptom productive and wet. Others simply block the cough receptors. What exactly to choose - only a specialist will tell you. First you need to listen to the baby’s breath with a stethoscope. If whistles, squeaks and wheezing are heard in the airways, then medications that dilute and expectorate sputum should be used. Such compounds include Lazolvan, Ambrobene, Ascoril, ACC, Mukaltin, and many others. They are available in the form of syrups, tablets for the preparation of therapeutic fluid and capsules.
When the baby’s lungs are clean, but the cough does not rest, appropriate medications are selected. They block the reflex described above and thus eliminate the annoying symptom. This cough remedy for a child up to a year and later can be given only after a thorough examination. Uncontrolled and self-administration of such drugs can easily lead to pneumonia, bronchitis and other complications. Funds with a similar action have the following trade names: "Erespal", "Codelac Neo", "Sinecode" and so on.
Moist cough
The cough remedy for children up to a year can be divided into two main groups. Some drugs dilute sputum and increase its amount. They are called mucolytic. Other compounds act directly on the mucus, contributing to its discharge. They can be called expectorant.
For the treatment of wet cough, Bromhexine, Ambroxol, and Acetylcysteine medicines are used. For expectoration of already diluted sputum, preparations are often used based on natural remedies (coltsfoot, lipocrine, violets, oregano, licorice). One of the most popular and safe means is Herbion.
Allergic manifestation
A cough remedy for children up to one year old can have an antihistamine effect. It is necessary in case of an allergic reaction. It is worth recalling that only a doctor can determine the cause of a symptom. Most antihistamines are contraindicated in children of the first year of life. However, a specialist can choose the right and safe dose for your crumbs.
Such means include Cetrin, Zirtek, Fenistil, Supratin, Tavegil and many others. Some formulations are available in liquid form. They are much more convenient to give to little kids. Many antihistamines cause drowsiness. You need to be prepared for such a manifestation and not to panic when the regime of your crumbs is a bit off. In addition to the listed medicines, to eliminate the allergic cough, you need to exclude its cause. With the help of tests, you can determine what exactly your baby reacts to.
Antibacterial and immunomodulating compounds
If the symptom is caused by a viral infection, then in most cases you will not need a cough remedy for children. 2 years is such an age when a child independently forms immunity. His body is able to overcome the infection on its own. You only need to help him and organize a comfortable environment. The drugs prescribed in this case have the names "Ergoferon", "Anaferon", "Isoprinosine" and so on. They help maintain immunity and have an antiviral effect.
With prolonged and prolonged coughing with an increase in body temperature, antibiotics are usually prescribed. In this case, we are talking about inflammation, with which the child’s body is not able to cope on its own. The cough remedy for children (2 years and younger) can be called Sumamed, Amoxiclav, Flemoxin, and so on.
Folk remedies for coughing for children (1 year)
Some parents choose not to use drugs. They are confident in the safety and effectiveness of alternative drugs. Several recipes for such drugs will be presented to your attention.
Onion syrup. Take two large onions and dip them in boiling water. Place a tablespoon of sugar there. Simmer for 20 minutes. After this, strain and cool. Give your baby up to 12 months old 50 milliliters three times a day. This cough remedy for children (3 years) can have a large dosage - 100 milliliters at a time.
Milk with butter. It perfectly eliminates the dry debilitating cough of this product. Heat 100 milliliters of milk and add one teaspoon of butter to it. Cool to a comfortable temperature and let your baby drink in small sips.
Boiled lemon. Boil the lemon for 5 minutes, then cut it and squeeze. Add a few drops of glycerin and honey to the composition. Mix everything thoroughly. Give the baby a teaspoon three times a day.
Effective cough remedy for a child up to a year
One of the most effective means in the treatment of the described symptom is inhalation. It is produced using special equipment. It is worth noting that hot inhalation with an increase in body temperature is prohibited. It is also not recommended to carry them at home. This is explained by the fact that the temperature of the steam should be optimal. Often parents bring their treatment to the point that they burn the baby’s airways and simply worsen his condition.
Cold inhalations are allowed even for newborn babies. With a strong debilitating cough, they are carried out with such drugs as Berodual and Pulmicort. They open the bronchi and facilitate breathing. Also for inhalation, you can use Ambrobene and Lazolvan. As you already know, these formulations dilute sputum and promote its excretion. Doctors often recommend inhalation with plain mineral water. Alkali has a beneficial effect on dry cough, softening the airways.
Instead of a conclusion
Now you know what cough remedy can be used for children 3 years old and younger. Remember that it is not enough to eliminate only the symptom. It is necessary to find out what caused its occurrence. An integrated approach to correction will help you get good results in a short time. The average duration of a pathological cough with timely and proper treatment is 7-10 days. Do not expect the sign to disappear tomorrow. Be patient and be healthy!