Suggest Treatment For Severe Cough In A Child

Posted on Thu, 16 Jun 2016

Question: Hi, my 20months son has been coughing for more than a week. First days temperature no more than 37. Last two up to 38.81. Nurofen twice a day. Quite a bit of clear and green mucous. Nights he sleeps relatively well. Mornings when he wakes up coughing terribly, takes a while until he settles. Eats and drinks well. GP says lungs/ear/tonsils are clear. Two weeks ago he was admitted to hospital for suspicion of pneumonia, eventually diagnosis was a rather nasty viral tonsillitis and inf of media ear. Had a few good days and now symptoms as described at the beginning. 1andhalf month ago he was also treated for chest infection (Amoxil)) that apparently cleared. I am concerned as for the last month and a half he has not had a good long spell of good health. What should I do? For the time being nurofen and paracetamol again when temperature rises but has not settled yet. Many thanks

Answered by Dr. Diptanshu Das (20 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Seems to be due to a viral infection

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. Some children are more prone to such infections and such infections may recur from time to time. Giving steam inhalation to your child should help in diluting the mucus. Water vapor will reach deep inside and would help in diluting the cough and thus would provide relief. You need to give paracetamol to bring down the temperature. If paracetamol is not effective in bringing down the temperature, you need to use Meftal-P (mefenamic acid) which is more effective. Also use tepid sponging. Give some antiallergic like cetirizine along.

Please be patient, give it time to resolve. Since he eats and drinks well it should not be a cause for concern.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Diptanshu Das (24 hours later)

Many thanks for your time.
Today it is the 5th day with temperature up to 38 and coughing. For how long can this carry on? When should I get worried or asked for more help? a week or more?

Answered by Dr. Diptanshu Das (3 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Usually it resolves in a week or so

Detailed Answer:
If it continues for more than a couple more days you should take him to the doctor and get him evaluated.

Regards

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Naveen Kumar