Patient's question:
My baby is a few days old, and recently she occasionally coughs one or two times every day. It's not just when she's being fed. Is this normal, or should I check her lungs? She's eating and pooping normally. Thank you very much for your answer!Doctor's answer:
Coughing is a protective reflex of the human body. Bacteria and mucus in the respiratory tract can be expelled from the body through coughing, helping to clean and keep the airways clear. However, some young parents find that if their child coughs slightly, they quickly give them various cough suppressants and cough syrups. After entering the human body, cough suppressants can rapidly act on the cough center, producing a strong cough-suppressing effect. Although this method can temporarily relieve cough symptoms, it can cause a large amount of mucus and bacteria to accumulate in the respiratory tract, leading to secondary bacterial infections. In severe cases, it may cause chest tightness, difficulty breathing, and even lung atelectasis or heart failure, which can be life-threatening. Therefore, before identifying the cause of the child's cough, do not give them cough suppressants indiscriminately.