Hi,I am Dr. Shanthi.E (General & Family Physician). I will be looking into your question and guiding you through the process. Please write your question below.
My 11 year old son has had a dry cough for about 3 weeks. No cold symptoms, no fever, nothing but the cough. I thought it may be due to allergies and started giving him 1 Claritin per day, but that has only helped a little. Should I take him to the doctor?
Understanding your concern. The symptoms you mentioned in query are pointing towards condition known as severe upper respiratory tract infection. Your son may have lung infection or bronchitis. Do warm saline gargles with pinch of salt water. Take expectorants. Steam inhalation is very effective for you. I would suggest you to consult ENT specialist without any delay . Doctor may order blood test , throat swab test or virus culture test. You should get an x ray of the chest and Immunoglobulin G levels checked for further treatment. Doctor may prescribe antibiotics ( amoxicillin or penicillin ) at least for 10 days along with decongestants and mucolytic agents . For now do warm saline rinses , take rest. Mast cell stablizers such as sodium cromoglycate is effective to prevent infection. You should avoid hot, sharp and spicy foods. .
Hope your concern has been resolved.
Get Well Soon. Best Wishes, Dr. Harry Maheshwari
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Suggest Treatment For Dry Cough
Hi Dear , Welcome to HCM. Understanding your concern. The symptoms you mentioned in query are pointing towards condition known as severe upper respiratory tract infection. Your son may have lung infection or bronchitis. Do warm saline gargles with pinch of salt water. Take expectorants. Steam inhalation is very effective for you. I would suggest you to consult ENT specialist without any delay . Doctor may order blood test , throat swab test or virus culture test. You should get an x ray of the chest and Immunoglobulin G levels checked for further treatment. Doctor may prescribe antibiotics ( amoxicillin or penicillin ) at least for 10 days along with decongestants and mucolytic agents . For now do warm saline rinses , take rest. Mast cell stablizers such as sodium cromoglycate is effective to prevent infection. You should avoid hot, sharp and spicy foods. . Hope your concern has been resolved. Get Well Soon. Best Wishes, Dr. Harry Maheshwari