A cough in a baby is a common cause of increased anxiety of parents. Almost always, it is a sign of disease. But do not forget that a healthy child sometimes coughs, freeing his airways from foreign particles. However, usually it is not just that a dry cough appears in a child. What to treat, of course, should be prescribed by a doctor. Parents themselves can help the baby before the doctor arrives. Let's see what helps with coughing depending on the disease.
When to treat and when not to
Do not panic and give your baby a variety of medicines if, in addition to
this symptom, there are no manifestations of the disease: mood, normal behavior, cough does not interfere with the usual way of life. In addition, there is a normal appetite and sleep. This indicates that, in general, the child's condition is satisfactory. In the event that this symptom is paroxysmal bothersome, strong, it interferes with the sleep of the child, then you should immediately consult a doctor. If, in addition to coughing, symptoms such as lethargy, fever, are added, then this is also a sign that the baby is sick.
Dry cough in a child: how to treat
There is some algorithm of actions that must be applied if you encounter such a symptom. However, it is worthwhile to understand that all activities will be aimed at making it moist, and that the child begins to cough up phlegm.
Whooping cough
Usually pertussis is irritating to the cough center. Moreover, it multiplies in the nervous system, which is why the patient begins to cough even from bright light, a harsh sound. The described symptom for this disease has a very specific character: first there is a loud wheezing breath, then a coughing attack lasting several minutes. At the same time, the child can stick out his tongue, there are hemorrhages in the sclera of the eyes. In infants, respiratory arrest is possible. In this case, drugs that calm the nervous system and relieve dry cough in a child are appropriate. What to treat? Your doctor may prescribe Sinecode or Tussamag. It should be borne in mind that after cure, with a common cold, the described symptom may be "whooping cough."
False croup
In another way, this disease is called laryngotracheitis, it is accompanied by stenosis (this is a narrowing of the upper respiratory tract). This is a very dangerous condition that requires an immediate emergency call.
If for this reason a dry cough has arisen in a child, the doctor prescribes what to treat. However, before his arrival, it is worth relieving the condition. For this purpose, it is necessary to water the patient plentifully, ventilate the room well, and also pour hot water (boiling water) into the bathtub, take the baby in his arms and go into the bathroom. Close the door into it and breathe in pairs for about 15 minutes. In this case, do not panic and scare the child, because anxiety can increase respiratory failure.
Obstructive bronchitis
With this disease, coughing occurs as often as shortness of breath. In the bronchi, sputum is usually more viscous, so babies cannot cough it. What to do with dry cough caused by bronchitis? Just as with false croup, it is important to soften it, make it moist and productive. Various mucolytics are well suited for this purpose (they dilute phlegm). It is also worth a lot to give the baby a drink. And each time after taking the medicine, you need to do kneading, shocking massage.