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A dry cough in a child is a tiring ailment that causes sleepless nights not only for children, but also for their parents. A dry cough is usually a symptom of viral infections, including pharyngitis. What are the causes of dry cough in a child and what tests should be performed in this case. When should you see a doctor and how to treat a dry cough in a child?
Dry cough in a child – diagnosis
Coughing is the body’s natural defense reflex, which is designed to clear the respiratory tract of foreign bodies and lingering secretions. The cough in a child, as in adults, can be divided into a dry cough and a wet cough. A wet cough, otherwise known as a productive cough, is identified by the coughing up secretion that occupied the airways. On the other hand, a dry cough is a non-productive cough in which no secretions are coughed up. A dry cough often turns into a wet cough in infections and during the recovery process. A child’s dry cough may be chronic or subacute. A child’s chronic dry cough lasts more than 8 weeks. On the other hand, a subacute dry cough in a child lasts more than 3 weeks, but not longer than 8 weeks.
Dry cough in a child – causes
The cause of dry cough in a child is usually a viral or bacterial infection of the respiratory tract. As an infection develops, a child’s dry cough may turn into a wet cough and then revert to its dry nature. A wet cough following a dry cough allows the secretion to be coughed up. A dry cough in a child following an infection may persist for up to 6 weeks. post-infectious bronchial hyperreactivity. It most often results from irritation and regeneration of the respiratory mucosa. Whooping cough may be another cause of dry cough in a child. The frequency of this disease increases with the abandonment of vaccination against this disease. A dry cough in a child also occurs with asthma. This is especially true for those children who struggle with atopy or other allergic diseases. Much less often, the cause of dry cough in children are psychogenic factors, such as, for example, prolonged stress.
Dry cough in a child – the necessary examinations
A dry cough in a child usually disappears after an infection healed. Sometimes, however, additional diagnostics is needed to help diagnose the disease and determine its treatment. If a child’s dry cough is extremely tiring and does not subside over time, you should immediately consult a doctor who will perform or order important tests. Tests that allow the diagnosis of dry cough in a child are x-rays of the lungs, throat swab, and also allergy tests. Additionally, the doctor may decide to perform blood gas or saturation measurements. These tests allow your doctor to assess the amount of oxygen in your baby’s blood.
Dry cough in a child – treatment
Treatment of a child’s dry cough depends on the identified cause of its occurrence. If your doctor recognizes an infection, he or she will likely recommend antibiotics. In the case of asthma, drugs from the group of inhaled beta-amimetics or inhaled glucocorticosteroids may be introduced. It also happens that a child’s persistent and prolonged dry cough is the basis for referring the child to hospital treatment.
As an aid in respiratory infections, it is worth ensuring proper air humidification. Try the Vitammy Mist Therapeutic Steam Humidifier, which is currently available on Medonet Market at a promotional price.
- Also read: Dry and wet cough syrup
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