Cough
Cough is a condition very common in children. Parents often
complain of their children having different types of cough. Cough is reflex
action with the body trying to get rid of the secretions in the bronchi or
irritation due to allergies. Cough can be of different types. It can be
productive with sputum, which can be white or yellow in colour or sometimes
even green. This is secondary to infection. The lungs produce mucus which the
body tries to get rid of by coughing. Sometimes, there is throat infection and
irritation of the throat. The child tries to get rid of the secretions and
clears the throat in the form of a cough. Flu or nasal irritation can cause a
post nasal drip and again the child coughs. Allergies cause a dry cough. They
cause the bronchioles to get constricted, and this irritating cough occurs all
the time but specially at night. The bronchspasm in frank asthma can cause
continuous bouts of coughing.
Cough suppressants are not the solution. The cause should be
treated rather than just suppress the cough. The infection whether of lungs or
throat should be treated. Nasal drops specially saline is very important. The
constricted airways should be relaxed using nebulizers or bronchodilators.
Nebulization with normal saline only is also very helpful. Steam inhalation
using salt water is beneficial too.
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