By far, the most common causes of coughing in children are acute respiratory infections, bronchitis, or pneumonia. But in recent years, allergic lesions of the respiratory system have spread , especially against the background of a chronic viral infection (the so-called Epstein-Barr virus). These conditions give a long, debilitating, spastic cough that easily develops into pneumonia. In a word, in order to know how to cure a cough in children, you need to correctly establish the diagnosis, which is impossible to do on your own (without the participation of doctors). For example, despite the prevalence of banal bronchitis, do not forget about childhood infections (for example, whooping cough). By the way, tuberculosis is also common in childhood.
General principles for treating cough in children
Nevertheless, there are general approaches to the treatment of this disease:
- peace, comfortable posture, warmth and fresh air (without draft);
- copious heat and good nutrition;
- the use of expectorants (especially those based on natural plant components).
The use of antitussive medications is not recommended, since it is impossible to cure cough in children by simply stopping it. Cough is a protective reaction, thanks to it sputum and mucus, bacteria and toxins are removed from the respiratory tract. If we just stop him, then all this “cocktail” will remain in the lungs of the child. Therefore, preference should be given to expectorant and mucolytic (thinning) agents that provide quick and easy removal of sputum. The drug "Doctor Mom" (in the form of ointment, lozenges or syrup) works very well on children of any age, it is effective and easy to use. With a dry cough, the Kodelak Fito product, which also actively dilutes sputum, will help.
How to cure an infant cough? This is a rather difficult task. Firstly, inhalation is strictly contraindicated for newborns due to the increased risk of airway spasm. Due to the constant horizontal position, the infection, along with sputum, easily spreads through the bronchi and stagnates, eventually causing pneumonia. Self-treatment of cough is contraindicated, and in infants it is simply prohibited. In any case, provide the baby with peace, plenty of drink, an influx of fresh air (but not a draft).
New technologies. Nebulizers
Recently, a very effective alternative to inhalation has appeared - the so-called nebulizers. These are devices that turn liquid medicinal substances into the smallest air suspension. Their main advantages: targeted delivery of the pharmaceutical product to the lesion, providing a very fast therapeutic effect, there is no risk of burns and damage to the mucous membrane (typical for steam and oil inhalers), there is no need to synchronize the pressure on the dispenser with breathing, so it’s very easy to use nebulizers even for newborns. Also, this method of treatment allows for a more accurate dosage of drugs. But the nebulizer itself does not cure what and how to cure a cough in children with it, that is, a pediatrician should choose medications and their doses.
Phytotherapy
If you want to take a chance and cure a child's cough with folk remedies, then use inhalation (but only if the baby does not have a fever). Pour boiling water over 2-3 tablespoons of chopped coltsfoot, add 2 teaspoons of soda or 1-2 drops of eucalyptus oil. You can make homemade medicine - chop the onion very finely, mix with two tablespoons of sugar or honey, leave to brew for a day. The resulting juice to drink a teaspoon 3-4 times a day. But remember that traditional medicine will never overcome infection and tuberculosis, do not risk the life of your child, seek help from a pediatrician.
It is necessary not only to know how to cure cough in children, but also to be able to prevent complications associated with it. Therefore, pay attention to the development of symptoms of respiratory failure in a child: pallor or cyanosis of the nasolabial triangle, shortness of breath, retraction of intercostal spaces on inhalation. If they appear, immediately call an ambulance!