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When a baby or child is coughing, it may be appropriate to try to identify the type of cough they are making, if only to react accordingly. “ Greasy cough or dry cough? Is often the first question a pharmacist asks when asked for a cough remedy. A distinction is also made between syrups for dry coughs and syrups for fatty coughs.
Let us first remember that in both cases, we must consider the cough as a natural reaction of the organism, which seeks to defend itself against infectious agents (viruses, bacteria), allergens (pollens, etc.) or irritating substances (pollution and certain chemicals in particular).
How do I know if my child has a dry cough?
We are talking about a dry cough in the absence of secretions. In other words, the role of a dry cough is not to remove the mucus that clogs the lungs. It is a cough known as “irritative”, sign of an irritation of the bronchi, which is often present at the beginning of a cold, an ear infection or a seasonal allergy. Although it is not accompanied by secretions, a dry cough is nonetheless a cough that tires and hurts.
Note that the dry cough which is accompanied by wheezing must be reminiscent of asthma or bronchiolitis.
What treatment for a dry cough?
Le miel and thyme infusions are the first approaches to consider in case of a dry cough, to calm the irritation.
Depending on the age of the child, the doctor or pediatrician may prescribe a cough syrup. This will act directly in the area of the brain that controls the cough reflex. In other words, cough syrup will soothe a dry cough, but will not cure the cause, which will have to be identified, or even treated elsewhere. You should obviously not use a cough syrup for a dry cough to treat a fatty cough, as the symptoms may worsen.
Greasy cough in children: a “productive” cough that relieves clutter
A fatty cough is said to be “productive” because it is accompanied by mucus and water secretions. The lungs thus evacuate microbes, the bronchi are self-cleaning. Sputum phlegm may occur. A fatty cough usually occurs during a severe cold or bronchitis, when the infection “falls into the bronchi ”. This is why it is advisable to intervene as soon as possible, via regular washing of the nose with physiological serum or with a seawater spray, and give the child plenty of water to drink to fluidize its secretions.
The main medical treatment for a fatty cough is the prescription of bronchial thinners. However, their effectiveness is controversial, and few are still reimbursed by Social Security.
As long as the child’s oily cough does not cause him to regurgitate or interfere with his breathing, it is better to simply relieve his cough with honey, thyme herbal teas, and unclog his nose.