What is Cough?
Cough is a defense mechanism of the body and a reflex that clears the airways. The respiratory tract is tried to be cleaned by removing germs, dust and foreign objects that enter the respiratory tract with cough. Cough may occur in children without any disease. Studies have shown that children cough 5-10 times a day due to various reasons. Unlike adults; It is difficult to expectorate phlegm in children and babies. This difficulty increases with age, and even young babies have difficulty coughing. If the cough produces phlegm, it is defined as a wet cough, and if it does not produce phlegm, it is defined as a dry cough.
When cough is defined according to its duration, it is examined in three groups:
- Acute cough (if it lasts for 2 weeks),
- Prolonged cough ( If it lasts 2-4 weeks),
- Chronic cough (if it lasts longer than 4 weeks).
What are the Causes of Cough?
- Respiratory and lung infections. Within this group of diseases; The main ones are croup, whooping cough, sinusitis, pneumonia and bronchiolitis,
- Foreign bodies in the airways,
- Babies born with inadequate respiratory tract,
- Babies and children with reflux,
- Patients with tuberculosis,
- Patients with asthma,
- Children who make coughing a habit.
Acute coughs are usually seen in viral infections. A foreign body should be considered in sudden onset of cough. In bacterial infections, the cough is initially dry and then produces phlegm.
It is important to determine the cause in a patient with cough. In addition to the examination findings of the doctor examining the patient, laboratory findings are also helpful in determining the cause.
When Should a Child with Cough Consult a Doctor?
- If the baby is under three months old,
- Respiratory If he/she has a problem and his/her respiratory rate has increased,
- If he/she has a fever and has a harsh cough and then vomits,
- If he/she produces yellow, green and bloody sputum,
- If the patient refuses to eat or drink anything for a while. ,
- If the cough has become persistent and does not decrease, a doctor should be consulted.
Cough suppressants are not used in the treatment. Expectorant preparations can be used. It is important for the patient to drink fluids. herbal teas and Linden can be used as an expectorant. Antibiotic treatment has no place in viral infections that cause cough. It is important to determine whether the cause of the cough is bacterial or viral. Most of the time, this distinction is not easy, but is only possible with detailed laboratory examinations.
In Conclusion
Cough is a protection mechanism of our body. Over-the-counter cough suppressants should never be used in babies and children. It is important that the doctor decides on the use of antibiotics in the treatment of cough. It should not be forgotten that cough may be a sign of a serious disease.
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