Beware of Cough in Children – Health News

Pediatrics and Children’s Diseases Dr. Burak Emre Demir warned that children should see a doctor in case of cough accompanied by fever, weakness, chest pain and respiratory distress. Infectious diseases increased with the arrival of the winter months. Fever, sore throat, cough and fatigue are among the most common complaints. Coughing is one of these complaints and coughing in children worries families. Kepez Municipal Health Center Child Health and Diseases Specialist Dr. Burak Emre Demir talked about the causes of coughing complaints in children and which treatment method should be followed. Dr. Demir listed the causes of cough that manifests with the winter season: “Cough is not actually a disease, it is a response to protect the body against threats such as foreign bodies, sputum, inflammation and secretions entering the airways. is suitable not to stop the cough, but to eliminate the ailments that cause the cough. It is a remedy.”

CAUSES OF Coughing

Dr Demir said: “From mild conditions such as colds and nasal congestion in children, more serious respiratory conditions such as flu, ear infections, croup, bronchitis, pneumonia and asthma can cause coughing. Apart from these, factors like foreign body, allergy, smoking, reflux, cystic fibrosis, tumor can also cause cough. The features of the cough guide the diagnosis. If the cough is bark style, it is suspicious for croup, if it sounds like a sigh, for whooping cough, if accompanied by wheezing, it is suspicious for asthma/bronchitis. If the sudden onset of cough is accompanied by bruising, you think of foreign body infiltration in the airways. Coughing due to upper respiratory infections may increase at night due to nasal discharge. It can also cause coughing, retching and vomiting.

DIAGNOSTIC METHODS BY COMPLAINT

Dr. Demir: “The diagnosis looks at the time of the cough (phlegm, dryness, barking), how it started (suddenly, after eating and exertion, against dust and allergens), which complaints accompany the child (fever, wheezing breathing, shortness of breath). breathing, nasal congestion, vomiting). conditions such as weight loss, night sweats) should definitely be questioned.” and explains in which case the child should be taken to the doctor. If so, the cause of the cough may be allergic In children attending daycare, an overlapping cold can cause a cough that lasts for weeks. If the child’s cough lasts for three days, gradually increases, is accompanied by fever, shortness of breath and bruising, starts suddenly and barking cough, is a doctor’s examination is absolutely necessary.

HOW ARE YOU?

Explaining how the cough passes, specialist Dr Burak Emre Demir lists the precautions and what needs to be done for families. Children who are in good general condition and have no fever or respiratory distress can be monitored at home. The best cough syrup in such cases is warm water. Plenty of water and fluid intake provides relief by softening the child’s throat. If there is a stuffy nose, it can be opened with a saline solution. Since dry air can also cause coughing, you can use water vapor to provide the right humidity. 50 percent in your home will reduce the coughing problem of your children and babies. If you use a cold steam machine to humidify the house, you should maintain and clean these devices regularly.

BEWARE OF BABIES UNDER 6 MONTHS!

Dr Demir said: “Cough needs to be monitored very carefully in babies less than 6 months old.” say. Otherwise, the underlying disease causing the cough may cause more serious problems. “Although it may seem like a simple cough, a cough in babies can turn into bronchitis or pneumonia if neglected. Therefore, families with small babies should take their children to the doctor in case of a cough.”

NATURAL METHODS

Pediatrics and Children’s Diseases Dr. Demir also explained natural methods for coughing. “By consuming plenty and warm liquids, herbal teas soothe throat and relieve cough. If your child is above 1 year old, honey is very helpful. Honey can be given plain or mixed with ginger and turmeric. You can also give it by honey sorbet with warm water or milk. Similarly, molasses can be given. Dried mulberry tea is also beneficial. However, these methods should never get in the way of the treatments recommended by a doctor’s examination.” Specialist Dr. Burak Emre Demir also listed the situations in which a doctor should be visited. “