Cough is a common condition that can occur in children. Usually, it is a body’s reaction to defend itself and does not cause any severe problems. However, if the cough becomes chronic, you need to seek cough treatment for kids. A treatment plan would help in managing the symptoms well and recover the kids soon.
Common Causes Of Cough
Viral Infections
Many viral infections cause a lingering cough in the children. These infections lead to respiratory inflammation and irritation. The coughing might vary from mild to moderate to severe, depending on the type of infection. Some of the common infections are flu, influenza, and croup.
Other symptoms may include fever, runny nose, sneezing, itch or teary eyes, headache, and body ache. It can lead to a wheezing sound and mucus trickling down the throat, which irritates. Generally, viral infections do not respond to antibiotic treatment, but their symptoms can be managed.
Allergies
Allergy is a common cause of cough in children, along with some other symptoms. It happens when our immune system considers a foreign particle as an invader in the body and reacts to it. The foreign object does not have to be harmful, but the body overreacts.
Various types of particles can lead to allergies, such as pollen, dust, particular foods, or medicines. These particles or objects are termed allergens, which cause an allergic reaction. They trigger the release of a substance called histamine in the body, which causes respiratory issues.
Coughing is a common symptom of allergies, along with sneezing, rashes, runny nose, and itching eyes and throat. You need to manage your child’s coughing by avoiding allergens that cause it. Further, some over-the-counter medications are also available. However, it is better to consult with the best doctor in Singapore as they can recommend you a treatment plan against potential allergens.
Asthma
Asthma is a long-term, chronic condition, which involves the inflammation and blockage of airways. Due to this, coughing occurs, and it becomes difficult to breathe. Asthma can be triggered due to several things, such as environmental irritants, allergies, physical activity, or respiratory problems.
Asthma causes frequent coughing spells, which worsens at night. It makes it hard for children to inhale and exhale and includes shortness of breath or rapid breathing. The best doctor in Singapore makes a complete action plan to counter the effects of asthma.
Whooping Cough
Whooping cough is a contagious bacterial infection, also called pertussis. The bacteria produce toxins that block the airways, damage them, and make it difficult for kids to breathe. Children face a long spell of coughing and have back-to-back coughing without a break. Once kids finish coughing, they try to take a deep breath that makes a whooping sound.
Other symptoms of whooping cough may include sneezing, mild fever, and runny nose. It can get serious if it persists for a long time, especially for infants. You can get your children vaccinated for pertussis and prevent it. Moreover, it requires prompt and proper treatment with antibiotics.
Environmental Irritants
Various particles and environmental irritants can lead to inflammation in the respiratory tract. So, exposure to these irritants causes a dry cough. Some of the common irritants include dust, cigarette smoke, fireplace smoke, mould, car exhaust, and air pollution.
If the children are exposed frequently to these irritants, the cough can become chronic. It can also worsen up when paired with any allergies or asthma. Mostly, you need to remove the irritant or stop getting exposed to it to stop the coughing.
Inhaling A Foreign Object
Children tend to grab and put anything in their mouths, usually small objects like beads, buttons, or any toy. If they inhale or swallow that thing, it can be stuck in their airway or oesophagus. That will lead to consistent coughing as the body tries to oust the object from the body. Your kid might also produce wheezing or choking sounds.
This condition can become deadly and requires immediate attention. If you think your child has inhaled or swallowed an object, seek treatment right away to remove it. Further, after removing the thing, you need to look out for any signs of infections or irritation.
Cough Treatment For Kids
The cough treatment for kids depends on the causes of coughing. Mostly, the cough due to viral infections does not require medication and runs its course. It can last up to two weeks. Moreover, medicines are prescribed to manage the symptoms that occur with coughing.
Only give medicines to your kids when it becomes necessary. Do not give OTC medicines to children under the age of six years without a doctor's consultation. These medicines do not cure or treat cough but provide relief. However, they can also cause some side effects to kids. Hence, call the doctor for the correct dosage.
Find The Best Doctor In Singapore
If you are looking for the best doctor in Singapore for cough treatment for kids, contact Little cross family clinic!
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