What to do to quickly treat a dry cough in children?

What to do to quickly cure a dry cough in children?

Cough in children is one of the most common symptoms that worries parents no less than fever. To determine the cause of such a cough, you should definitely consult a pediatrician.

Main causes:

Usually, the real cause of a cough is an attempt to get rid of irritating factors, such as swelling of the mucous membrane of the throat, the appearance of phlegm or a foreign object.

* **Viral diseases** are the most common triggers, in which case the cough is usually mild to moderate in intensity. During the flu or acute laryngitis, it can be severe and last longer. In addition, with an exacerbation of laryngitis, the child may develop a dry cough, rough, noisy breathing. This viral infection is not treated with antibiotics, only a doctor can help the patient on how to alleviate the disease. Steam bath, humid air or cool air outside always relieves the condition.

* **Gastroesophageal reflux** is a factor that causes a strong dry cough in children. This occurs due to the flow of food, bile, hydrochloric acid back into the esophagus from the stomach. In children under 7 years old, this is usually associated with a functional insufficiency of the sphincter apparatus. Accordingly, when the gastrointestinal tract improves, the cough goes away on its own. Such treatment consists of a diet without products that irritate the patient's throat. For example, fried, spicy, fatty, chocolate, caffeine, soda.

* **Bronchial asthma** is not a quickly diagnosed disease, since the symptoms in children vary. However, a child may not always have wheezing at night, a dry cough. Treatment of this disease depends on the cause of asthma: sometimes it is enough to avoid smoking near the child or using household perfumes. Even if the child is diagnosed with this disease (this is determined only by doctors), this disease can be treated.

* **Allergies** are not always given as much importance as asthma problems, but irritation, itching of the throat or constant mucous discharge along the walls of the throat can provoke allergies. This can be pollen, food, animal hair, even dust. In this case, it is necessary to determine the cause using anamnesis, as well as tests for allergens, and then treat it.

* Another very unpleasant infectious disease with a dry cough is **whooping cough**. It is often characterized by a constant dry cough. Whooping cough is very contagious and dangerous for newborns, but the disease can be prevented by timely vaccination.

**When should you see a doctor?**

* if the temperature rises and lasts more than 3 days;

* if treatment does not give results within 7 days or the condition worsens;

* if breathing becomes difficult and shortness of breath occurs;

* if you suspect the presence of foreign bodies in the respiratory tract;

* if this condition is accompanied by dizziness, weakness, palpitations;

* especially at night, symptoms worsen;

* if sputum is mixed with blood;

* if the sputum is green;

* if the cough lasts a long time and the child weakens.

**Methods for treating a dry cough in a child:**

Self-medication in such a situation is definitely inappropriate. A doctor's consultation and a correct diagnosis are mandatory - medications and treatment methods are selected depending on the cause of the disease, since the disease can be different.

1. **Treatment is carried out in a comprehensive manner:** includes taking medications and changes in the daily routine of the little patient. It should be remembered that there are no drugs that completely affect the symptom. They can only alleviate the condition, but the inflammation of the respiratory tract will persist until its root cause is treated. Antibiotics are rarely prescribed.

2. **It is very important to drink plenty of fluids** (preferably warm, because hot temperatures irritate the mucous membrane). This helps to cleanse the mucous membranes, wash away microbes and viruses.

3. **Fresh air in the house** (if possible, walking outside), good nutrition, and quality sleep are required. In addition, often during the recovery period after an illness, the pediatrician may prescribe physiotherapy (ultraviolet therapy, proper breathing exercises). If complications of the disease remain, a course of electrophoresis, magnetotherapy is recommended.

**Can I use folk remedies?**

Doctors do not recommend self-treatment with traditional medicine. Because they can cause severe allergies, which will not only increase inflammation, but also lead to the appearance of edema. It is better to consult a pediatrician first.