It is important to be on the alert if, along with a cough, the following is observed:
• rapid or difficult breathing,
• cyanotic (blue) lips,
• deepening of the intercostal spaces,
• chest pain,
• weakness,
• persistent heat retention
• worsening/return of symptoms after a few days.
The age of the child (up to 3 months) is also a risk factor.
Cough remedies should be prescribed according to age, be scientifically sound and prescribed by a pediatrician.
Modern research confirms the significant benefits of honey, including as a cough remedy. However, it is important to remember that honey is allowed for children from 1 year old, otherwise there is a high risk of botulism.
It is important to urge parents to remain vigilant by following a number of simple tips:
1. Do not try to treat your child's cough on your own. Before giving your child cough remedies, be sure to consult with your pediatrician to discuss age restrictions and side effects of the drug.
2. Create a clean and humid environment. Use humidifiers and do not forget to constantly ventilate the house.
4. Make sure you drink enough fluids. Water helps cleanse the body and relieve coughs. Sufficient fluid intake is important for all types of respiratory infections.
5. Nutritious and easily digestible food is important. It is impossible to force a child to eat. Continue to offer light, vitamin-rich foods: fruits, vegetables, soups.
6. Maintain a sleep schedule. It is important to provide your child with complete rest. 8. Don't forget about hygiene rules. Encourage frequent hand washing and teach children to sneeze and cough into their elbow.
9. Don't be afraid to ask your pediatrician questions. Trusting your doctor is more than important.
To summarize, try to remember a few important points about coughing:
❌Don't rush to get a chest X-ray at the first coughing attack. In most cases, the cause is viral infections of the upper respiratory tract.❌Cigarette smoke further stimulates and aggravates coughing. Prohibit tobacco use at home.
❌Treating a cough caused by a viral infection with antibiotics is useless. This type of cough goes away on its own; drinking plenty of fluids is enough to eliminate it.
❌Cough suppressants are prohibited for use in children under 6 years of age. By the way, according to recent studies, they can cause quite serious harm to children.
❌ Children over 6 years of age should be prescribed cough medicines with caution and only as prescribed by a pediatrician.
Conclusion
: Cough is an important protective reflex and can persist for a long time, for example, 1-3 weeks after the disappearance of accompanying symptoms. It is important to undergo regular examination and be under the dynamic supervision of a pediatrician.
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