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How Can Severe Cough In A Child Be Treated?
Question: Hi doctor, my 4yr 8 months old son weighing 18kg had fever from monday evening till thursday. Gave meftalp. Friday he was fine but from that night cough started. And on saturday again slight temp about 100 degrees in the afternoon. After 1 dose of meftalp, there is absolutely no fever till now. Started nebulization today(levolin). Cough is the problem now, slightcold. He has not been eating well this week. Please suggest.
Brief Answer:
Steam inhalation is the mainstay of treatment.
Detailed Answer:
Thanks for asking on HealthcareMagic.
I have gone carefully through the details and understand your concern. Most often such symptoms are due to viral infections and antibiotics are ineffective in such cases. Irrespective of treatment it usually spontaneously resolves in 5-7 days. Some children are more prone to catching cold and recurrent episodes are seen. Often such viral infections manifest with fever. If your child is otherwise active and playful, I would not be concerned. If not, it would be a good idea to visit a doctor and to get the child evaluated.
Such infections are frequently associated with an allergic component. If cough or nasal discharge is present it is advisable to give some antiallergic like cetirizine once daily for next few days.
You need to give steam inhalation to your child. It helps in reducing the congestion. Just sit with your child on your lap and place the source of steam before you. The water vapor will be in the air and automatically the child will breathe it in. Water vapor will reach deep inside and would help in diluting the cough and thus would provide relief. Use Nasoclear Saline Nasal Drops in case of nose block.
If your child has fever with temperature more than 100°F, you need to give paracetamol or acetaminophen (P-250, Crocin or Tylenol) to it bring down. Also use tepid sponging. If paracetamol is not effective in bringing down the temperature, you need to use Meftal-P (mefenamic acid) which is more effective.
When not well, it is quite usual for children not to eat properly. Your child is no exception. Please be patient. It may take a few days for the recovery to occur. The complaints should spontaneously resolve in 5-7 days.
Hopefully that would help. Feel free to write back in case of further queries.
Regards
Steam inhalation is the mainstay of treatment.
Detailed Answer:
Thanks for asking on HealthcareMagic.
I have gone carefully through the details and understand your concern. Most often such symptoms are due to viral infections and antibiotics are ineffective in such cases. Irrespective of treatment it usually spontaneously resolves in 5-7 days. Some children are more prone to catching cold and recurrent episodes are seen. Often such viral infections manifest with fever. If your child is otherwise active and playful, I would not be concerned. If not, it would be a good idea to visit a doctor and to get the child evaluated.
Such infections are frequently associated with an allergic component. If cough or nasal discharge is present it is advisable to give some antiallergic like cetirizine once daily for next few days.
You need to give steam inhalation to your child. It helps in reducing the congestion. Just sit with your child on your lap and place the source of steam before you. The water vapor will be in the air and automatically the child will breathe it in. Water vapor will reach deep inside and would help in diluting the cough and thus would provide relief. Use Nasoclear Saline Nasal Drops in case of nose block.
If your child has fever with temperature more than 100°F, you need to give paracetamol or acetaminophen (P-250, Crocin or Tylenol) to it bring down. Also use tepid sponging. If paracetamol is not effective in bringing down the temperature, you need to use Meftal-P (mefenamic acid) which is more effective.
When not well, it is quite usual for children not to eat properly. Your child is no exception. Please be patient. It may take a few days for the recovery to occur. The complaints should spontaneously resolve in 5-7 days.
Hopefully that would help. Feel free to write back in case of further queries.
Regards
Note: For further queries related to your child health, Talk to a Pediatrician. Click here to Book a Consultation.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
Answered by
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