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Cough in children is often caused by a cold and goes away within 2 – 3 weeks. However, if the cough is persistent or recurrent, affecting daily life, disturbing sleep, and possibly disturbing others or friends at school, it is recommended to see a doctor to find the cause and treat it as soon as possible.
Causes of Cough in Children
Causes of cough in children include:
- Infectious causes such as
- Viral infections: Acute conditions caused by viruses such as common cold, acute sinusitis, acute bronchitis, etc.
- Bacterial infections: May cause bronchitis, pneumonia
- Tuberculosis
- Non-infectious causes such as
- Allergic rhinitis
- Chronic sinusitis
- Asthma
- Hyperreactive airway
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease
- Side effects from certain medications
- Airway structural abnormalities
- Snoring
- Foreign bodies in the respiratory tract
- Chronic aspiration of food
- Some heart diseases
- Living in an environment with polluted air, such as cigarette smoke, chemicals, smoke from burning
- Some psychological disorders
- etc.
Types of Cough Found
- Dry cough due to irritation
- Wet cough due to phlegm or nasal secretions down the throat
Diagnosis
Taking a medical history is very important. Parents or guardians should observe their child closely and provide detailed information, including when the cough started, how long it has been, whether it is a dry or wet cough, factors that trigger the cough, time of day when coughing is worst, family history of allergies, asthma, infectious diseases, tuberculosis, smoking within the family, etc. The doctor will examine the respiratory tract, both upper and lower. If the history and physical examination are inconclusive, further tests such as blood tests, mucus/phlegm tests, heart and blood vessels examination, X-rays, etc. may be necessary.
Treatment Methods
The treatment method for cough in children depends on the found cause. General principles of treatment that are beneficial for both prevention and treatment include:
- Supportive care, which generally resolves within 1 – 3 weeks depending on the severity of symptoms
- Eating nutritious and appropriate food
- Drinking warm water or water at room temperature, avoid cold water
- Regular exercise
- Adequate rest
- Living in a healthy environment
If the child has a persistent cough for an unusually long time, coughing throughout the day and even while sleeping, parents or guardians should not be negligent and consult a doctor immediately for treatment.
