Despite the fact that cough is a natural reflex reaction of our body, not all of its types are completely safe. And in most cases, it is cough that is one of the symptoms of various diseases. In addition, this phenomenon is more dangerous for children than for adults, since babies may experience laryngeal edema, which is even fraught with suffocation. Therefore, a strong barking cough in a child up to a year is a direct indicator for calling an ambulance and subsequent hospitalization.
Superficial cough
Many diseases have cough in their symptoms, but its types are different. For example, quite often a superficial dry barking cough is observed in children. How to treat and how to help such a child? First of all, it should be understood that “superficial” means pure bronchi and lungs. In this case, the throat or larynx is inflamed, which is why this type of cough is observed. The medical diagnosis in this case will sound like laryngitis or tracheitis, or their combination - laryngotracheitis. Basically, treatment involves inhalation, local antiseptic and anti-inflammatory drugs.
Pulmonary cough
Another variety is a pulmonary dry barking cough in children. How to treat this option and how to distinguish it from other types of cough? It differs from the superficial in that it can be seen, so to speak. This means that with a cough symptom, the chest is involved (it moves), and the duration of the attack exceeds a minute. Moreover, this type of cough is directly associated with damage to the bronchi or lungs, and the diagnosis is bronchitis or pneumonia. In this case, the use of antibiotics will be fully justified, as well as the rest of the therapy, which consists in taking anti-inflammatory, sputum-thinning drugs and antispasmodics.
Parents reaction
Of course, any parents have a panic when a barking cough suddenly appears in children. How to treat, what to do and where to run for help? First of all, calm down. After all, only in a calm state can you correctly assess the situation, and if the cough is not suffocating in nature, and there is no direct threat to the baby's life, then you just need to wait for the doctor to come for a consultation and clarify further treatment.
For example, a barking cough in a child Komarovsky recommends starting treatment with heavy drinking and well-moistened fresh air. Also, a children's inhaler will be an excellent assistant for any type of cough. And from harmless and quite effective medications, one can distinguish "Lazolvan", "Mukoltin", "Bromhexine", "Prospan", which are used not only as syrups, but also for inhalation (for example, the drug "Prospan" for inhalation needs to be bought in drops , and the drug "Lazolvan" - in ampoules).
Therefore, do not panic when a barking cough suddenly appears in children. Only a qualified doctor can tell you what to treat and what to do to quickly relieve symptoms. Always remember this! Of course, you can also use traditional medicine, but only as additional measures along with the medical prescription of your pediatrician.