Patient's question:
My daughter is 3 years old. She has a slight cough, and it seems like there is phlegm when she coughs. It has been a long time, and she hasn't taken any medicine because she plays well and doesn't cough much at home. How come she doesn't cough anymore? Why does she cough?Doctor's answer:
Hello: Coughing is a reaction to irritation in the throat, respiratory tract, or lungs. Coughing in infants under 6 months old is often a serious condition and requires immediate medical attention. If a child suddenly starts coughing violently, it may be possible that food has been inhaled into the lungs or that other foreign objects (such as small toys) have entered the respiratory tract. If a child has a cough accompanied by abnormal breathing, seek medical attention immediately. In severe cases, the child should be taken to the emergency room immediately.1. Symptoms: Infant cough (under 6 months old).
Possible: Bronchitis.
Treatment: It is best to go to the hospital immediately. Antibiotics may be used, and it is likely that oxygen will be needed to help the infant breathe.
2. Symptoms: Coughing is worse at night than during the day, occurring in fits, with 30 or more coughs in a row, sometimes making it difficult to breathe. After the coughing stops, a special echo is heard, similar to whistling. The child may also cough up phlegm and may or may not have a fever.
Possible: Whooping cough, which typically lasts for two months or more on average.
Treatment: See a doctor. After the doctor diagnoses whooping cough, antibiotics will be used to improve the condition and prevent bacterial infections.
Whooping cough is one of the common infectious diseases in children. There is no specific treatment for it. Cough suppressants should not be forced. After coughing up phlegm, give the child easily digestible food. Pay attention to keeping the room air fresh, warm, and avoiding irritation from smoke or dust.
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