Table of contents:
- The cause of the child coughing continuously
- 1. Physiological cough
- 2. Pathological cough
- Symptoms that need to be watched out for when the child coughs continuously
- How to deal with a child who coughs continuously?
- 1. Keep it clean and create a dust-free environment
- 2. Choosing food and snack healthy for children
Coughing in children is a common condition, especially when your little one is suffering from the flu or certain illnesses. However, if a child has a persistent cough, do parents need to worry about this condition? What kind of cough should get more attention from parents?
The cause of the child coughing continuously
A cough that doesn't heal, recurs, even to the point of interfering with children's activities or development is certainly something we don't expect as parents.
One of the most important things that must be ascertained is the cause of the child with persistent cough, so that the therapy and treatment plan can be adjusted accordingly.
Before knowing what are the possible causes of recurrent cough in children, it is better if you know in advance what types of coughs your little one may experience:
1. Physiological cough
What is meant by physiological cough is part of the human body's defense mechanism to remove foreign things from the airway, such as feces, mucus, and so on.
This cough is generally spontaneous and is not accompanied by other symptoms. Because it is spontaneous, the physiological cough only occurs for a moment and will go away on its own without the need for special treatment or treatment.
2. Pathological cough
Pathological type coughs are part of the symptoms of certain diseases. Generally, the intensity of this type of cough increases with time.
In addition, a pathological cough is usually accompanied by other symptoms of an illness. This cough can interfere with the sufferer's activities and cannot heal on its own without special treatment.
If the child has a persistent cough, it could be a symptom of allergies, asthma, or coughing due to TB disease. These diseases show symptoms that are not much different, namely a recurring cough.
- Cough in allergies or asthma
In children who have allergies or asthma, the type of cough they experience tends to recur easily and there is always a trigger or a history of the allergy. The cough is more common at night and is accompanied by or without symptoms of wheezing.
- Cough in tuberculosis
If the child's condition has a persistent cough related to TB disease, there is usually a source of infection at home, especially adults who also have TB.
Transmission is easier if the person is actively coughing and has a positive sputum culture. Apart from recurring coughing, the child will experience some additional symptoms such as weight loss and body temperature increases for no apparent reason for some time.
To ensure a disease that triggers a child to experience a persistent cough, a precise and thorough examination is needed so that the two diseases can be distinguished and the child gets the right medication therapy.
Symptoms that need to be watched out for when the child coughs continuously
If the cough intensity experienced by the child is getting more frequent and does not get better, you need to check whether there are other accompanying symptoms.
Some of the signs and symptoms that parents should watch out for when a child has a persistent cough are:
- High fever
- Hard to breathe
- Gag
- Decreased appetite for food and drink
- Weight loss
- The child becomes weak and helpless
These conditions must be followed up and the child needs help as soon as possible. Try not to delay the time to check your child to the doctor. Thus, the doctor can provide treatment in accordance with the health condition of your child.
How to deal with a child who coughs continuously?
Before taking your child to the nearest doctor or health service center, you can follow some of the tips below as first aid.
1. Keep it clean and create a dust-free environment
In order for children to avoid recurring coughs, you must maintain cleanliness in the house, especially if the child has a history of certain allergies.
When a cough is recurring, keep the child away from objects that are easily dusty and dirty, such as carpets and furry dolls. You should also change the sheets and clean your child's mattress regularly to avoid mites and dust buildup.
If your home uses air conditioning or air conditioning, make sure you have a regular schedule to clean the air conditioner so that dust doesn't accumulate. Allow enough sunlight to enter the room so that it is not too damp.
2. Choosing food and snack healthy for children
In addition to maintaining cleanliness in the house, you can provide healthy food and snacks for children. Make sure the food you choose will not trigger allergies and your child is not sensitive to these ingredients.
If the child still coughs continuously, you can give over-the-counter medicines without a doctor's prescription. Follow the dosage and the rules for use listed on the drug packaging.
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