Parents attention and timely providedhelp - the best remedy for dry cough for a childPhoto: Getty The first thing to do when identifying a dry cough is to determine its cause. When coughing, accompanied by high fever, aching in the joints, general weakness in the baby, you should immediately consult a doctor.
Causes of dry cough
If the child is under 2 years old, then with a high temperature and a strong cough, you need to call an ambulance as soon as the symptoms are detected. The main causes of a dry cough:
- Viral and bacterial infections of the upper, lower respiratory tract;
- dry air in the room;
- contact with allergens;
- penetration of a foreign body into the respiratory organs.
Dry cough is not considered a disease and is not dangerous.condition, treatment is aimed at eliminating the disease that is accompanied by this symptom. When inhaling and swallowing foreign bodies, the child develops a strong dry cough, sore throat and difficulty breathing. Here you need to urgently call an ambulance. In a hospital setting, the child will be x-rayed and the foreign body will be removed. In case of respiratory system damage by viruses, drugs that reduce the temperature can be used. Do not buy a remedy for dry cough for children, relying on the recommendations of an advertiser or a pharmacist in a pharmacy. In the treatment of children under 3 years old, the use of antitussives and expectorants can lead to the accumulation of mucus in the bronchi and the development of pneumonia.
How to alleviate the condition of the child with a dry cough
The use of medications should notcarried out without special instructions from a specialist. According to doctors' reviews, effective remedies for dry cough in children with viral and bacterial infections are considered to be:
- Inhalation (steam and nebulizer);
- warm drink;
- chest massage.
Inhalations with sodium chloride or mineral waterStill water helps to remove phlegm and make a dry cough productive (wet). Steam inhalations with herbal decoctions are no less effective, but they can cause an allergic reaction. Massaging the chest improves phlegm discharge. Do not use warming ointments without a prescription, as this is dangerous when treating bacterial infections. Essential oils can also greatly irritate the baby's skin and provoke allergic dyspnea. Warm and plentiful drinking will help alleviate the child's well-being. You can use herbal decoctions, tea, milk. During treatment, exclude sour juices and other drinks that irritate the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract and throat. Low air humidity is a common cause of dry cough. Liquid mucus accumulated in the child's bronchi becomes denser. To soften it and remove it from the respiratory system, it is necessary to increase the humidity in the room to 60-70%. Food allergies, allergies to dust, animal hair and pollen can be accompanied by a dry cough. Treatment here is taking antihistamines and isolating the child from the allergen. Help the little body cope with the infection on its own, and if the temperature rises and other symptoms appear, immediately consult a doctor. See also:
