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COUGH

Coughing is a reflex whose function is to expel air from the lungs. It is one of the most common symptoms seen in pediatrics. Coughs may be classified as either wet or dry. Dry cough is one that has lasted for more than eight (8) weeks. A spasmodic cough is one which lasts more than five (5) minutes. As a reflex, a cough helps to clear the lungs and protects them from pneumonia.

Most coughs are caused by viral infections of the trachea which is also known as the windpipe and larger air passages called bronchi. Because these infections are usually caused by viruses, they do not require antibiotics. Infections of the bronchi are called bronchitis, and they cause a dry tickly cough lasting 2-3 weeks. Occasionally, the cough becomes loose and your child may cough up lots of mucous. This may indicate that the end of the illness is near.

Dry coughs not associated with illness but which interfere with sleep, school attendance or work may be treated with a cough suppressant medication. The most common cough suppressant medication is dextromethorphan (DM). Medication with dextromethorphan in it will usually have the initials DM or D after the name of the medicine. Pure dextromethorphan without other ingredients is most effective against dry coughs. If your child is two (2) years and older, please follow directions on the label of the medication. Use in children under 2 years of age is not recommended.

Since many of the coughs are a result of dry air, a cool mist vaporizer or humidifier in your child’s bedroom may help loosen the cough and, therefore, encourage restful sleep. A few other suggestions to help loosen a cough are

• Cough drops for children greater than six (6) years of age; and
• Warm liquids such as warm apple cider, lemonade or decaffeinated tea may soothe the airway and, therefore, alleviate the cough. Aggravating factors of cough are exposure to smoke, especially from cigarettes, wood stoves or fireplaces and, in some children, exercise.

If your child has any of the following symptoms, please call the office:

• Breathing becomes difficult AND is not better after the child’s nose is blown;
• The respirations become fast or labored when your child is not coughing;
• Your child passes out with coughing spasms;
• The lips turn bluish with coughing spasms;
• If blood tinged mucous is coughed up, or
• If your child starts to act quite ill.

If you have an emergency during or after office hours call 345-3133.

For a more complete list of medications and dosages, please access the Service Line on medications.

This advice on cough is presented as general information and is not meant to be specific treatment for your child’s problem. If you need further assistance, call 855-9160 during regular office hours to speak with one of our Health Information Nurses.