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What Causes Persistent Cough?
Question: Hello Doctor, my niece is suffering with cough for past 10 days and also fever but nor fever is not there but still have severe cough, she is 2 years 5 months old. done with blood test for Dengue and malaria and all the results are negative. could you please suggest if we have separate doctors for cough. she has severe cough and taking medicine suggested by pediatricians. please suggest
Brief Answer:
Likely to be due to airway hyper reactivity
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Welcome to Healthcare-Magic
Greetings of the day
Dear Mr XXXXXX,
Absence of fever and other symptoms is very reassuring. Persistent cough in child is due to one of the following reasons
1. Persistent airway Hyper reactivity: Following inflammation of airway by bacteria, the airways could still respond to any stimuli causing spasm and provoking bout of coughing
2. Presence of persistent infection: Less likely as there is no fever and child is getting better
3. Rare possibility of Whooping cough: Less likely if DPT ( pertusis ) immunisation given already
The most likely cause is due to airway hyper reactivity
I would suggest you the following apart from medicine given by your Pediatrician
1. Steam inhalation: Preferably using a electronic steamer. Maintain safe distance of steamer from baby. Give it for 15 to 20 minutes each session, three times a day.
It will also help by humidifying the air which less likely precipitates spasm
2. Warm Saline gargling: To a glass of lukewarm water add 2 spoons of salt. Make her gargle the throat 3-4 times a day.
This will decrease the throat congestion
3. Decoction: 1 cup of milk+ 1 teaspoon turmeric+ 2 gm of ginger+ 10 leaves of tulsi+ 2 black pepper+ 2 spoon sugar, bring it to boil. filter it and Serve it warm to her, few sips at a time. To take it 4 times a day.
If the symptoms persist then do consult Chest / Respiratory Physician.
Keep me updated
Wishing her a speedy recovery.
Wishing you and your family a very happy and healthy life
Take Care
Regards
Dr Deepak K K
MBBS,MS,MCh
Consultant Pediatric Surgeon
Likely to be due to airway hyper reactivity
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Welcome to Healthcare-Magic
Greetings of the day
Dear Mr XXXXXX,
Absence of fever and other symptoms is very reassuring. Persistent cough in child is due to one of the following reasons
1. Persistent airway Hyper reactivity: Following inflammation of airway by bacteria, the airways could still respond to any stimuli causing spasm and provoking bout of coughing
2. Presence of persistent infection: Less likely as there is no fever and child is getting better
3. Rare possibility of Whooping cough: Less likely if DPT ( pertusis ) immunisation given already
The most likely cause is due to airway hyper reactivity
I would suggest you the following apart from medicine given by your Pediatrician
1. Steam inhalation: Preferably using a electronic steamer. Maintain safe distance of steamer from baby. Give it for 15 to 20 minutes each session, three times a day.
It will also help by humidifying the air which less likely precipitates spasm
2. Warm Saline gargling: To a glass of lukewarm water add 2 spoons of salt. Make her gargle the throat 3-4 times a day.
This will decrease the throat congestion
3. Decoction: 1 cup of milk+ 1 teaspoon turmeric+ 2 gm of ginger+ 10 leaves of tulsi+ 2 black pepper+ 2 spoon sugar, bring it to boil. filter it and Serve it warm to her, few sips at a time. To take it 4 times a day.
If the symptoms persist then do consult Chest / Respiratory Physician.
Keep me updated
Wishing her a speedy recovery.
Wishing you and your family a very happy and healthy life
Take Care
Regards
Dr Deepak K K
MBBS,MS,MCh
Consultant Pediatric Surgeon
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. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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